Kohli and Amir’s rivalry as exciting as Sachin’s with me: Shoaib Akhtar

“It used to be a challenge bowling to Sachin and I think the future battles between Virat and Amir will be as exciting as our on-field rivalry. The two are world class performers and when they are pitted against each other, it can’t get better than that,” Akhtar told PTI during an interaction.

The former Pakistan bowler added that, with Virat Kohli being the best batsman in the Indian line-up, and Mohammad Amir the best in the Pakistan bowling attack, the duels between the two are certain to produce some entertaining moments.

“Virat is India’s best batsman and Amir’s inclusion has made Pakistan’s attack far superior. Whenever these two will be up against each other, mazaaaanewalahain (it’s going to be fun),” he said.

Akhtar also showered praise on Virat Kohli for his matured knock of 49 off 51 balls to guide India to a five-wicket victory by honouring him with the tag of the best batsman of the era.

“Virat Kohli is certainly the best batsman of his era. His match-finishing skills are exemplary. If you ask me whether he could be compared to Javed Miandad, who was also an exceptional finisher, I would say that two eras should not be compared. Yesterday, the manner in which he played Virat showed why he is in a different league. Also like a true champion, he praised Amir’s bowling which was a good thing,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by PTI.

When asked about the Indian pace attack, the 40-year old picked out Jasprit Bumrah as the one to watch out for.

“Jasprit Bumrah has been a great addition to the Indian bowling unit. He is a very talented youngster who should be nurtured. The best part about Bumrah’s bowling which personally impressed me is his control. He has a lot of control while bowling at the death.

“Also, the fact he can effortlessly bowl yorkers is a great added boost for the Indian team. The Indian bowling unit has now become better compared to earlier times. Both Bumrah and Nehra have been contributing brilliantly getting early wickets in the Powerplay overs,” Akhtar, who is here as a cricket pundit, observed.

Although Akhtar believes that India are the favourites for the World T20, the once fearsome bowler added that the fortunes of the team will depend on the fitness of the star players.

“Winning Asia Cup is important but one needs to keep all the players fit. The kind of carry that Mirpur strip provides can’t be the case on the Indian pitches. Those will be slower and fast bowlers will require to put in more effort,” he concluded.

(Read about the comeback of Mohammad Amir into the Pakistan cricket team - Mohammad Amir – everybody deserves a second chance)