Pakistani opener Ahmed Shehzad has stated that Virat Kohli’s best is yet to come in a Podcast on Thursday.
Shehzad, 31, who was often compared to Kohli in the past, is a huge admirer of the former Indian skipper and was not shy to talk about the Indian batter’s legacy.
“We share a mutual respect for each other. Whenever I need any advice regarding cricket, he has been kind (to help me out). I really respect him as a player. He has changed himself dramatically,” Shehzad said.
The Pakistani had nothing but respect for the 34-year-old for the way he transformed himself physically as he was a bit chubby in his U-19 days.
“When he burst onto the scene during the U-19 World Cup, he was a bit chubby. But the way he has transformed himself, not just from the cricketing aspect, it is commendable,” he added.
Shehzad also mentioned how formidable India were under Kohli’s captaincy as he led India to their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021.
“He took India to new heights in Test cricket. I haven't seen someone who has adapted so quickly. I feel, his best is yet to come," he added.
It must be noted that Kohli won 40 out of 68 Test matches he captained. These are the most matches for any Indian captain ever in the longest format. And with 40 Test wins, he also became the most successful Test captain in India’s history.
Virat Kohli recorded the most Test wins at home as captain. India won as many as 24 Test matches while he was at the helm breaking MS Dhoni’s record who won 21 Test matches at home as captain.
The 34-year-old also scored 20 Test centuries as a captain which puts him only behind the legendary South Africa’s captain Graeme Smith who scored five more tons than the Indian.
Meanwhile, all of Kohli’s seven Test double centuries came as a Test captain. These are the most for any captain in the history of Test cricket.
- Ahmed Shehzad