'Had I played against him he wouldn't have scored so many runs': Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli

[MenInG]

An inter-generational battle is something all cricket fans wishes for. What would have happened if Sachin Tendulkar would be up against Jasprit Bumrah or Virat Kohli was up against Shoaib Akhtar? Well while most were not possible for fans to witness, there were a big opportunity for the latter contest to take shape in Dambulla 12 years back but a Saeed Ajmal delivery ended all possibility. But what would have happened if Kohli would be up against the Pakistan legend? The former India captain had opined on the same five years back and Akhtar came up with its reply on Saturday.

In 2010, in Dambulla, in Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, Akhtar and Kohli were part of the India-Pakistan game. However, Kohli's early dismissal, denied a contest.

Speaking on Breakfast with Champions in 2017, Kohli recalled that day saying, “I’ve never faced Shoaib Akhtar but I’ve seen him in a game in Dambulla against Pakistan. I got out, (so) I couldn’t face him. But I saw him bowl and he looked very lethal even at the later stages of his career. At that time, I felt (that) batsmen would not have wanted to face him when he was at his peak.”

Five years later, during a discussion on an IPL 2022 game on Sportskeeda, Akhtar admitted that had he faced Kohli, the Indian batting great wouldn't have ended with so many runs in his career or have 70 international centuries across formats.

“Virat Kohli is a good person and a big cricketer and you only expect big words from big players. And I thank him a lot for that. But, if I would have played against Virat Kohli then he would not have scored these many runs but whatever he would have scored those would have been fabulous and it would look that he really fought hard for those runs. He may not have had 50 centuries. 20 or 25 may at the most but those would have been valiant hundreds. I would have gotten the best out of Virat Kohli,” he said.

Kohli presently has 23650 runs in 458 international games with 70 tins and 122 half-century scores. He is now the seventh highest scorer in world cricket and third highest among Indians after Sachin Tendulkar (34357 runs) and Rahul Dravid (24208 runs).

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ohli-s-5-year-old-remark-101650121630468.html

 

[TeamPak95]

“If I would’ve existed in the Lion King, Mufasa wouldn’t have died.”

Shoaib Akhtar, probably

 

[Ab Fan]

Poor comment from Akhtar. Kohli is one of the better players of high pace and bounce to come from subcontinent. He won't have any issue against him.

 

[Ab Fan]

And how can one bowlers presence reduce the centuries count of a player from 50 to 20-25?? What is that logic?

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

When u realise you haven't been in a spotlight for a long.

 

[Varun]

And how can one bowlers presence reduce the centuries count of a player from 50 to 20-25?? What is that logic?

Yeah he only has 2 100s against Pakistan lol.

One in the Asia Cup 2012 and the other in the 2015 World Cup.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

And how can one bowlers presence reduce the centuries count of a player from 50 to 20-25?? What is that logic?

A broken rib can keep you out of cricket for some time. Can't score a century if you aren't there on the field.

 

[Jazx]

Haha, but he could not break any rib of sachin or sehwag. Both scored heavily against him.

 

[cricketjoshila]

A lot of things can be said, if you don't actually have to do it.

 

[Markhor]

That's if Shoaib could actually stay on the field and not limp off after 4 overs.

I think if there was a past era bowler who could've really troubled Kohli, it's Wasim.

 

[Kroll]

'Had I played against him he wouldn't have scored so many runs': Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli

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[Maher96]

I think the way he did go around in the later stages of his career and the way Kohli deals with pace, he would have feasted in Akhtar.

 

[hitthestump]

When u realise you haven't been in a spotlight for a long.

Shoaib is very good at getting attention onto him. It's his full time job now. Threads like these literally serve to put money into his pocket.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

More self hating Pakistanis on show. Shoaib is a legend as is Kohli. Would be a great contest without doubt.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Shoaib Akhtar has actually bowled against peak Hayden, Gilly, Ponting, Sachin, Dravid, Kallis, Lara, Sangakara and Pietersen. Even though he is going overboard here but he would have definitely troubled Kohli who isn't in the league of Sachin, Ponting and Lara in test cricket. Infact just like Shoaib Akhtar, Kohli has also under achieved in test cricket.

 

[Babeikh]

Classic Akhtar / Actor trolling here, nothing much else to see.

The reality is Kohli's career wouldn't have been much different. Yes, Shoaib would have probably got him out a few times but equally Kohli would have hit him for a few sixes too.

 

[TheSultan]

Personally Shoaib would have destroyed him no doubt, (as he did Tendulkar on numerous occasions) but his statistic prediction is a bit out there even for Shaibee!

Pakistan - India hardly play any matches so he may prevent him from one or two centuries, but he would still have a lot more.

However if his point is that the level of bowling was of the 90s then yes, Kohli would have far fewer tons

 

[Villager6964]

Virat admires Pakistani fast bowlers.
He has praised shoaib Wasim Amir multiple times
Shoaib is obviously going overboard but it would had been a tremendous battle between both the players
I wish I had seen shoaib live
I watch his YouTube videos or past matches whatever i find of him on internet or TV.
He used to bowl with insane speeds.150 was just norm for him.

 

[Rohan]

By that logic, if the “actor” hadn’t played, Sachin would have 100 centuries in tests alone

 

[TheSultan]

By that logic, if the “actor” hadn’t played, Sachin would have 100 centuries in tests alone

If he didn’t play, Sachin wouldn’t have got a golden in 99, he wouldn’t have had to fake an edge to get off the pitch in the 2nd test in 2006, wouldn’t have been smacked on the helmet in 2006, the list is endless

Personally, I don’t think SRT was much of a challenge for shoaib. I do think Sehwag and Dravid at times had the wood over shoaib, but Tendulkar mainly scored harmless runs against shoaib.

Maybe apart from the 98 in Centurion. But ultimately shoaib got him. It was quite a monumental choke by Sachin in that match. Unfortunately we just didn’t have the depth or the will to make it count unlike the test match in 1999

 

[Sidilicious]

If he didn’t play, Sachin wouldn’t have got a golden in 99, he wouldn’t have had to fake an edge to get off the pitch in the 2nd test in 2006, wouldn’t have been smacked on the helmet in 2006, the list is endless

Personally, I don’t think SRT was much of a challenge for shoaib. I do think Sehwag and Dravid at times had the wood over shoaib, but Tendulkar mainly scored harmless runs against shoaib.

Maybe apart from the 98 in Centurion. But ultimately shoaib got him. It was quite a monumental choke by Sachin in that match. Unfortunately we just didn’t have the depth or the will to make it count unlike the test match in 1999

Akhtar never had the wood over Tendulkar, nor did Tendulkar have one over Akhtar. When two world class competitors are on the field one will have a golden duck occasionally and one will get smacked on a few occasions. There are enough occasions when Sachin smacked Akhtar or Akhtar got Sachin out cheaply.

And getting out on 98 after manhandling all your bowlers in a do or die match for Pakistan, having pretty much led the team to a win is not Choking. Choking was what Inzamam kept doing in WC matches against India. If anything Akhtar choked in the first over the game getting smacked for 18. Being asked to be taken out of the attack is also choking.

Having the wood over would be Warne on Cullinan, Steyn on Hafeez. If anything the only bowler who had the wood over Tendulkar would be Anderson. But even then Tendulkar did score enough runs against Anderson.

 

[TheSultan]

Akhtar never had the wood over Tendulkar, nor did Tendulkar have one over Akhtar. When two world class competitors are on the field one will have a golden duck occasionally and one will get smacked on a few occasions. There are enough occasions when Sachin smacked Akhtar or Akhtar got Sachin out cheaply.

And getting out on 98 after manhandling all your bowlers in a do or die match for Pakistan, having pretty much led the team to a win is not Choking. Choking was what Inzamam kept doing in WC matches against India. If anything Akhtar choked in the first over the game getting smacked for 18. Being asked to be taken out of the attack is also choking.

Having the wood over would be Warne on Cullinan, Steyn on Hafeez. If anything the only bowler who had the wood over Tendulkar would be Anderson. But even then Tendulkar did score enough runs against Anderson.

Btw, I didn’t say shoaib had the wood over Tendulkar. I just don’t really think their rivalry was actually a thing. I believe shoaib always said (during his playing days) he was more awestruck with Lara and Dravid and Sehwag gave him more sterner tests. I know they post retirement / media career he may say to the contrary to play to the Indian media’s obsession with little tendi.

The 2003 WC game I think shoaib just had a bad day, you can call it a choke, I don’t have a problem, he was over trying a bit. Not because of Tendulkar (and let’s face it, that so called “upper cut” was an outside edge that for most bowlers been caught at third man, he he was lucky shoaib is so quick it carried all the way for 6. Reminds me of the Sherwin Campbell 6 in the 99 World Cup.

And SRT did actually choke in that 2003 game. India we’re still almost 100 runs away! That’s not what I call finishing off the game. He was very fortunate Dravid bailed him out again and pak bowled very poorly.

 

[Varun]

And SRT did actually choke in that 2003 game. India we’re still almost 100 runs away! That’s not what I call finishing off the game. He was very fortunate Dravid bailed him out again and pak bowled very poorly.

You do realize Sachin was an opener right? Expecting openers to chase ODI targets from 0 to 275 is unrealistic.

Sachin powered through the total anyhow, and when 100 runs were left, Dravid and Yuvraj as middle order batsmen did what their job said helped by Sachin's knock that endured no run rate pressure.

 

[TheSultan]

You do realize Sachin was an opener right? Expecting openers to chase ODI targets from 0 to 275 is unrealistic.

Sachin powered through the total anyhow, and when 100 runs were left, Dravid and Yuvraj as middle order batsmen did what their job said helped by Sachin's knock that endured no run rate pressure.

Seriously if our attack wasn’t so long in the tooth, we would have cleaned up that match from that position. Good innings but failure to actually get india to within 50 runs is a choke. A well played choke, but a choke nonetheless

 

[Varun]

Seriously if our attack wasn’t so long in the tooth, we would have cleaned up that match from that position. Good innings but failure to actually get india to within 50 runs is a choke. A well played choke, but a choke nonetheless

Well let's just say that 95% of the cricket watching populace would agree to disagree with you.

 

[TheSultan]

Well let's just say that 95% of the cricket watching populace would agree to disagree with you.

Ok - show me evidence of the 95% of “populace” then you may have something.

Anyone remember the first test in 1999. Was that a choke? How is this different? He actually got closer in the test. A choke is a choke. If you’re fortunate enough that the opposition or your own team bail you out that’s fine. But shoaib had him hopping for that wicket. A great batsman would have played that better.

 

[cricketjoshila]

That's if Shoaib could actually stay on the field and not limp off after 4 overs.

I think if there was a past era bowler who could've really troubled Kohli, it's Wasim.

Wasim Akram would trouble any batsman in any era.

He is perhaps the most skillful bowler to have played the game. His ability to produce that magic ball is unmatched.

 

[cricketjoshila]

More self hating Pakistanis on show. Shoaib is a legend as is Kohli. Would be a great contest without doubt.

Shoaib is a show man. Legends are the likes of 2Ws, Imran etc.

 

[Rohan]

Seriously if our attack wasn’t so long in the tooth, we would have cleaned up that match from that position. Good innings but failure to actually get india to within 50 runs is a choke. A well played choke, but a choke nonetheless

Today, finally I learnt the definition of a choke.

An opener has to get the score within 50 runs of winning, otherwise it is called a choke by definition, even though the batsman’s team wins.

Sorry all the openers, you are chokers during most of your careers.

 

[shaz619]

That's if Shoaib could actually stay on the field and not limp off after 4 overs.

I think if there was a past era bowler who could've really troubled Kohli, it's Wasim.

Are you still upset he gave Bob Woolmer a push lol.

Obviously, this scenario takes into account a fit and fully firing Shoaib Akhtar and his individual skill set, he is a legend in his own country regardless of his underachievements but his best form would evicerate Kohli at his best and it’s not even a joke, Kohli would call him dad right after

 

[Pakhs]

Today, finally I learnt the definition of a choke.

An opener has to get the score within 50 runs of winning, otherwise it is called a choke by definition, even though the batsman’s team wins.

Sorry all the openers, you are chokers during most of your careers.

The only time I saw tendulakar choke was against Australia in 2003 WC final. Not sure what shot was about when looked like he was going to bat like Afridi. The defense being he probably didnt realize at that time 360 on that pitch is actually quit get table and panicked.

 

[Pakhs]

Are you still upset he gave Bob Woolmer a push lol.

Obviously, this scenario takes into account a fit and fully firing Shoaib Akhtar and his individual skill set, he is a legend in his own country regardless of his underachievements but his best form would evicerate Kohli at his best and it’s not even a joke, Kohli would call him dad right after

Well that's wishful thinking that and can only be imaginary. The real Shoaib was based on pure pace and extreme effort which also made him very injury prone. He actually never stopped many players from having successful career in his time because he did not play. He would have got Virat out a few times it would be reasonable to assume that he would have got him out lets say more than Sachin and Dravid but Virat would have still gone one to have a great career.

However if the general point is that the quality of bowling was better over all during his time then that might be a valid hypothesis however that was only true for the first half of his career.

 

[Markhor]

Are you still upset he gave Bob Woolmer a push lol.

Obviously, this scenario takes into account a fit and fully firing Shoaib Akhtar and his individual skill set, he is a legend in his own country regardless of his underachievements but his best form would evicerate Kohli at his best and it’s not even a joke, Kohli would call him dad right after

I just don't like Akhtar's constant need to make attention seeking statements. This is the guy who claimed Danish Kaneria was discriminated against by the Pakistan team with zero proof just for YouTube views.

I actually was a big Akhtar fan growing up. I loved the showmanship and theatre, the sheer destructiveness of his bowling, pure box office. But you can also see why he's fallen out with so many people.

 

[Pakhs]

I just don't like Akhtar's constant need to make attention seeking statements. This is the guy who claimed Danish Kaneria was discriminated against by the Pakistan team with zero proof just for YouTube views.

I actually was a big Akhtar fan growing up. I loved the showmanship and theatre, the sheer destructiveness of his bowling, pure box office. But you can also see why he's fallen out with so many people.

Like it or not, He has managed to get a lot of followers in all of subcontinental countries behaving this way. Somehow it works for him.

 

[Manunited18]

Kohli peak a complete Genius. Shoaibs inconsistency would have kohli completely schooling him.

 

[Pakhs]

Kohli peak a complete Genius. Shoaibs inconsistency would have kohli completely schooling him.

This is rubbish.. Akhtar held his own against the quality Australian and Indian line ups in his time Virat would be just another player he would have had to bowl against.

 

[Manunited18]

Shoaib was way overrated. The guy played 40 odd tests in in a 10 year time frame. He did have success, be it very limited, but in general was a let down To his own team!

 

[Golden arm]

Poor comment from Akhtar. Kohli is one of the better players of high pace and bounce to come from subcontinent. He won't have any issue against him.

How do you rate Kohli with Dravid in terms of defense especially against reverse swing.
I doubt he would have been better than Dravid laxman or Tendulkar

 

[TheSultan]

Today, finally I learnt the definition of a choke.

An opener has to get the score within 50 runs of winning, otherwise it is called a choke by definition, even though the batsman’s team wins.

Sorry all the openers, you are chokers during most of your careers.

Well done young Rohan. Now keep it in mind and remember it.

Imam ul Haq batted a long time and made a ton in the first match vs Australia, but he got out. I called that a choke too.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan and India do not really face each other a lot.

So, Shoaib probably wouldn't have faced Kohli much.

 

[cricketjoshila]

How do you rate Kohli with Dravid in terms of defense especially against reverse swing.
I doubt he would have been better than Dravid laxman or Tendulkar

Is there much reverse swing in the game now?

 

[Hitman]

Had he played in Kohli’s time, he would have been banned for chucking at the very start.

 

[greatest]

Rather than Akhtar or Wasim, I would have loved to see Ambrose at his peak bowling to Virat. Very few batsmen of the 90s took him on.

 

[TheSultan]

Rather than Akhtar or Wasim, I would have loved to see Ambrose at his peak bowling to Virat. Very few batsmen of the 90s took him on.

Ambrose got taken down by Basit Ali.

 

[MenInG]

Had he played in Kohli’s time, he would have been banned for chucking at the very start.

Careful now.

Bumrah's hyper-extension is as good as Akhtars.

 

[shaz619]

Well that's wishful thinking that and can only be imaginary. The real Shoaib was based on pure pace and extreme effort which also made him very injury prone. He actually never stopped many players from having successful career in his time because he did not play. He would have got Virat out a few times it would be reasonable to assume that he would have got him out lets say more than Sachin and Dravid but Virat would have still gone one to have a great career.

However if the general point is that the quality of bowling was better over all during his time then that might be a valid hypothesis however that was only true for the first half of his career.

You must be 5 years of age or started watching cricket yesterday, to overlook Akhatar’s individual skills and capabilities is ignorant, Kohli would have no answer and he is no where near some of the legends in his own country.

 

[Local.Dada]

Indian batsmen especially modern bats have no problem against express pace. Sure Shoaib was a great odi bowler and might get the better of Kohli, it’s all hypothetical and based on what I saw it’s 50-50.

I would say if Amir and Shaheen can run through the Indian top order, I would fear a peak Wasim Akram because the current lot can’t play skillful left armers be it the Pakistanis or likes of Boult.

Also I know this may sound out of the box but bowlers like Abbas and Philander scare me more vs current Indian batting than a Haris Rauf or Jofra Archer.

 

[giri26]

It is a joke of a statement considering India hardly plays Pakistan. Virat hasn't played a single Test against Pakistan and has only played 20 games overall in his 14 year career combining all formats. Not sure how just 20 innings (out of 511 innings) can stop him from scoring 71 international hundreds and 23,650 runs. Considering Shoaib's track record he might have missed at least 50% of those games due to injury.

 

[shamaan]

Indian batsmen especially modern bats have no problem against express pace. Sure Shoaib was a great odi bowler and might get the better of Kohli, it’s all hypothetical and based on what I saw it’s 50-50.

I would say if Amir and Shaheen can run through the Indian top order, I would fear a peak Wasim Akram because the current lot can’t play skillful left armers be it the Pakistanis or likes of Boult.

Also I know this may sound out of the box but bowlers like Abbas and Philander scare me more vs current Indian batting than a Haris Rauf or Jofra Archer.

Which current players have faced EXPRESS pace ?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

You must be 5 years of age or started watching cricket yesterday, to overlook Akhatar’s individual skills and capabilities is ignorant, Kohli would have no answer and he is no where near some of the legends in his own country.

Oh, it's true. It's damn true.

 

[NishanKonar]

If Shoaib Akhtar played cricket in the 1930s - Don Bradman wud not have averaged 99.94

 

[TheSultan]

It is a joke of a statement considering India hardly plays Pakistan. Virat hasn't played a single Test against Pakistan and has only played 20 games overall in his 14 year career combining all formats. Not sure how just 20 innings (out of 511 innings) can stop him from scoring 71 international hundreds and 23,650 runs. Considering Shoaib's track record he might have missed at least 50% of those games due to injury.

I think he probably means you take the will out of them. Some bowlers have an effect on batsmen that they are not the same anymore. Look at what happened to Daryl Cullinan after Warne. Graeme Hick after Ambrose etc et.

I think shoaib had that effect on Tendulkar who became a shadow for a few years and blamed it on tennis elbow. He just didn’t have the stomach for battle any more. Shoaib took something away from him in Calcutta 99. Tendulkar started scoring a lot of centuries again when shoaib pretty much stopped playing regularly.

 

[Shafi]

I would take peak Kohli over Tendulqar any day. Tendulqar is superior version of Babar who only plays for his personal record rather than win the matches.

 

[TheSultan]

If Shoaib Akhtar played cricket in the 1930s - Don Bradman wud not have averaged 99.94

He was susceptible to the short ball. I think that’s a great call Nishan Kumar, the Don would have averaged a lot less.

Although if Don played in the modern era with a helmet at his disposal. He would probably average 130

 

[giri26]

I think he probably means you take the will out of them. Some bowlers have an effect on batsmen that they are not the same anymore. Look at what happened to Daryl Cullinan after Warne. Graeme Hick after Ambrose etc et.

I think shoaib had that effect on Tendulkar who became a shadow for a few years and blamed it on tennis elbow. He just didn’t have the stomach for battle any more. Shoaib took something away from him in Calcutta 99. Tendulkar started scoring a lot of centuries again when shoaib pretty much stopped playing regularly.

That is never going to happen in couple of ODIs or T20 games. I can understand if India and Pakistan are playing regular Test cricket but that is not the case anymore. Since Virat's debut, there hasn't been a single Test between the two sides. The impact of Shoaib Akthar on Sachin in ODI's was minimal.

 

[TheSultan]

That is never going to happen in couple of ODIs or T20 games. I can understand if India and Pakistan are playing regular Test cricket but that is not the case anymore. Since Virat's debut, there hasn't been a single Test between the two sides. The impact of Shoaib Akthar on Sachin in ODI's was minimal.

You never know - a knock on the helmet etc, even in an ODI may make a difference.

I initially thought shoaib was talking some serious rubbish, but the more I think about it, the more it’s starting to make sense. One bowler or a particular style of bowling can have a big effect on you as a player even when you are not playing against him

 

[NishanKonar]

He was susceptible to the short ball. I think that’s a great call Nishan Kumar, the Don would have averaged a lot less.

Although if Don played in the modern era with a helmet at his disposal. He would probably average 130

I was being sarcastic - but u are so deluded u did not get the sarcasm

 

[TheSultan]

I was being sarcastic - but u are so deluded u did not get the sarcasm

Yes mr nishan kumar I know you were being sarcastic, but even in your sarcasm I proved you weren’t too far off the mark!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Tbh, right now Rahat Ali can make this statement and get away with it. Kohli hasn't scored a century since 2019.

 

[MP2011]

On topic, Kohli is just embarassing himself with each passing day.

I used to hear sermons from his die hard fans that he isn't the one to rest on past laurels.

 

[MP2011]

Another first ball duck today!

 

[Rajdeep]

More I see fraud players like Kohli, more my respect increase for Tendulkar. If he has any shame left, he would retire ASAP.

 

[Rajdeep]

Another first ball duck today!

We are screwed in this world cup if he bats at 3

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

More I see fraud players like Kohli, more my respect increase for Tendulkar. If he has any shame left, he would retire ASAP.

Won't call Kohli fraud but Sachin should not be compared with Kohli.

 

[MP2011]

Won't call Kohli fraud but Sachin should not be compared with Kohli.

This.

Kohli isn't a fraud, not by any stretch. However, he has been given a long enough rope and should be dropped.

Tendulkar even though didn't score tons during his final few years as he used to score earlier, he wasn't as abject failure as Kohli is, for so long now.

On top of that it seems his hunger seems to be totally gone, for good.

 

[MP2011]

We are screwed in this world cup if he bats at 3

He has already screwed us in multiple series and tournaments. Don't know when will the torture end.

 

[MP2011]

Tbh, right now Rahat Ali can make this statement and get away with it. Kohli hasn't scored a century since 2019.

Not just the century, he hasn't scored many meaningful runs since 2019.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not just the century, he hasn't scored many meaningful runs since 2019.

I know he's Kohli. And just him walking out to bat makes millions jump up and take notice.

But the guy averages 28 in 17 test matches since 2020. That's absolutely awful for someone who is batting at No.4. So my question is that if Pujara can be dropped after going 3 years without scoring a century, why can't Kohli?

If it was any country besides a South Asian country, Kohli would have been dropped long ago and nobody would have even batted an eye.

 

[Kroll]

Kohli's doesn't have that focus which he had in his early days. It's understandable, he's well into his thirties and is henpecked by the missus.