Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar ‘wants’ Virat Kohli to retire from T20 Internationals

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wants Virat Kohli to retire from T20 Internationals as he believes the Indian batsman should not devote his ‘full energy’ to the shortest format. Akhtar heaped praise on Kohli after scoring an unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match on Sunday, helping India register a thrilling four-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

He said, ‘According to me, he played the biggest innings of his life against Pakistan. He played like this because he was confident that he would do it.

Akhtar said, “He is back with a bang. I want him to retire from T20I because I don’t want him to put all his energy into T20I cricket. With the same commitment as he is today, he Can score three centuries in ODIs.” Youtube channel.

Kohli single-handedly led India to victory after staring down the barrel at one stage in the most anticipated game of the tournament.

Akhtar recalled the criticism that Kohli had to face during long lean runs with the bat.

“He was down and out for 3 years, he didn’t score runs, he was stripped of his captaincy and a lot of people said a lot of things to him.

“People dragged his family into it too, but he continued to train and got into corruption and just a day before Diwali, he burst crackers in an innings. He decided that this place and this stage was perfect for his comeback. Is.

The Pakistan pacer said, “Raja is back and he is coming back with a bang and I am really happy for him. He is a great cricketer.”

Originally published at Pen 18