Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistani pacer, stated that just the way one admires Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for their lifestyle, star Indian batter Virat Kohli can also be called a complete package”.
On February 23, Kohli was able to push aside poor form to score an unbeaten 100, thereby helping India beat arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets.
It was Kohli’s 51st ODI hundred and his 82nd across formats, as India qualified for the semifinals with a second win in two games.
“Why do people love Ronaldo? Why do they love Messi? Ronaldo is special; look at his lifestyle. Look at his charity work, his work ethic, and his fitness, complete fit. Similarly, with Virat, he is a complete package,” said Amir as quoted by Sports Tak.
“Why is he a role model for many, even in Pakistan? Country doesn’t matter. Role models can come from anywhere, be it Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, or England,” Amir added.
The former Pakistan cricketer further praised Kohli for his never-give-up, brilliant work ethic, whether in form or not, even at 36.
“Virat Kohli is a player for whom age does not count. His work ethic does not depend upon whether he is in form or not. He came in for training 90 minutes before the India-Pakistan match,” Amir pointed out.
Kohli possesses astonishing numbers in the ongoing marquee ICC event, with 651 runs at an awesome average of 93.
Kohli is to play next match against New Zealand in their last group stage game on March 2.
Kohli, meanwhile, faced a training session in Dubai with the Indian cricket team on Wednesday as he spent most of his time facing spinners while bowling coach Morne Morkel returned to lead again after attending to a personal emergency in his home country.
Kohli facing spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, practiced for some time against net bowlers before the game against New Zealand.
Mohammed Shami bowled full throttle, swinging the ball both ways and rapping Kohli on the pads twice, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh resolved to make the best use of this session.
