Shoaib Akhtar lashes out against Virat Kohli's critics

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has criticized former cricketers for targeting Virat Kohli and forming opinions about him based on his poor form as of late.

Akhtar believes that this current phase is preparing the former Indian captain for a run that will see him cross 110 international centuries.

The world's fastest pacer claimed that all the people who are currently criticizing Virat Kohli should take a page out of Sachin Tendulkar's book, who has always been a humble and down-to-earth person.

"Sachin is the greatest and humblest guy ever. I really adore him when it comes to his behavior. He respects people a lot while speaking. Everyone should learn from him," Akhtar said.

Virat Kohli has been struggling to regain form since 2019 and he carried his poor run into the IPL 2022 where the batter only managed 341 in 16 games at a shocking average of 22.73.

Speaking about Virat Kohli and the unfair criticism surrounding him, Akhtar said:

"Why do you have to shame yourself in front of the media by talking rubbish. There are kids listening to you. Respect Virat Kohli. I as a Pakistani am saying that he is the greatest player of all time. I want him to score 110 centuries, that is something I have told him before," Akhtar added.

Former cricketers including the previous head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, have all advised Virat Kohli to take a break from the game as his dip in form might directly be related to the excessive cricket the 33-year-old has played in recent times.