"People like Virat deserve respect": Shoaib Akhtar's ultimate praise for India batsman

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• Nov 16, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar showered praise on Kohli, lauding not only his cricketing prowess but also...

Digital Desk: In a historic moment at the Wankhede Stadium during the World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand, Indian cricket maestro Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket to score 50 centuries. Kohli's scintillating knock of 117 runs in 113 balls not only propelled India to a commanding position in the semi-final but also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar showered praise on Kohli, lauding not only his cricketing prowess but also his sportsmanship. Akhtar commended Kohli's gesture of bowing down to Sachin Tendulkar, who was present in the stands applauding the achievement. In a statement on his YouTube channel, Akhtar declared, "I am delighted to see Virat break Sachin's record. People like Virat deserve respect. Virat is the number-one player in the world."

The iconic moment was further enriched when Sachin Tendulkar himself took to social media to express his joy and admiration for Kohli. In a heartfelt note, Sachin reminisced about the first meeting with the young cricketer, highlighting the journey from a novice to a 'Virat' player.

In the ongoing World Cup tournament, Kohli has been a standout performer, amassing a total of 691 runs in 10 matches at an astounding average of 115.16 and a strike rate exceeding 89. The Indian captain's outstanding form includes three centuries and five half-centuries, making him the highest run-scorer in the competition.

Kohli's remarkable achievement also broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in a single Cricket World Cup edition, surpassing the 673 runs scored by the "Master Blaster" in the 2003 edition of the tournament.

As Virat Kohli continues to dominate the cricketing world, his legacy grows, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.