I respect Virat Kohli but don’t fear him: Naseem Shah eager to face India

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah is eager to play against India and test his bowling credentials against, arguably, the best batsman in the world, Virat Kohli.

The rookie pacer has made an eventful start to his international career which includes being the youngest fast-bowler to take a five-wicket haul, in the Test series against Sri Lanka, while also becoming the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick, in the series against Bangladesh.

Speaking about playing against India, Shah said that players can become heroes and villains in these matches.

“India versus Pakistan is always special, and I have already been told that players can become heroes and villains in those matches,” Naseem said in an interview with PakPassion.net. “They are special matches as they happen so rarely and yes, I am looking forward to playing against India whenever that opportunity arises.”

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The right-arm fast-bowler also said that he respects Kohli but is not scared of him.

“I hope that I can bowl well against India when that chance comes by and won’t let our fans down,” he said. “As for Virat Kohli, I respect him but don’t fear him. It’s always a challenge to bowl to the best, but that’s where you have to raise your game. I look forward to playing against Virat Kohli and India whenever that chance comes.”

The 17-year-old also opened up about the highs and lows of his brief international career so far.

“I do feel blessed that I have had the chance to play for my country at such a young age,” he said. “It’s already been a roller-coaster ride with good days, bad days and some very sad times, but that is all part of life. At times I have to pinch myself and remind myself that I am already playing cricket for Pakistan.”