Ahmed Shehzad Warns Pakistan Bowlers: Virat Kohli’s Big-Match Mindset
As the highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan approaches, former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has issued a cautionary message to Pakistan’s bowlers. With Virat Kohli showing signs of returning to form, Shehzad believes a “Kohli special” could be on the horizon.
Kohli’s Recent Performance
Kohli recently played a crucial innings against England, scoring 52 runs in challenging conditions. Shehzad highlighted that such performances rejuvenate a player’s confidence and can lead to a resurgence in form. “When you are short of runs and come up with such an innings, your body language and footwork fall into place,” he noted.
The Threat of Kohli
Known as the ‘chase-master’ in white-ball cricket, Kohli’s recent statistics may not reflect his true potential. Despite struggling in 2024 with an average of just 22.83 over six ODIs, his phenomenal 765 runs in the 2023 World Cup serve as a reminder of his capabilities. Shehzad recalled Kohli’s match-winning 82 not out against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, underscoring his talent in high-pressure situations.
Importance of India’s Top Order
Shehzad emphasized that India’s top four must play 35-40 overs to protect their all-rounders—Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—from early exposure. “In ODIs, losing early wickets can disrupt the innings. Proper batters are essential for reaching the desired target,” he advised.
With Pakistan facing a must-win situation following their defeat to New Zealand, the stakes are high. Meanwhile, India enters the match with momentum after a recent victory over Bangladesh. As the two cricketing giants prepare to clash, fans and players alike are eager to witness the drama unfold on the field.
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