Virat Kohli is also loved by Pakistanis, says Younis Khan

Virat Kohli has broken many records and is only behind Sachin Tendulkar now with respect to the number of international centuries. However, the fact that he has many admirers in the Pakistan cricket team is some news. Former Pakistani legend Younis Khan has said that the Indian skipper is also loved by the cricket fans in the neighbouring country.

"Virat Kohli is also loved by Pakistanis. Today, many Pakistan players want to play like Kohli and be fit like him and have his body language. Even in the Asia Cup where he did not play, the stadiums weren't jampacked. He is a big factor for India in the World Cup," the former skipper said at Salaam Cricket 2019, reported India Today.

India will face Pakistan on June 16 at Old Trafford, in a much-awaited World Cup game. People have mixed reactions about the expressive and aggressive nature of the Indian captain and even South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada had called out Kohli’s anger as immature. However, legendary batsman Viv Richards has likened the top-ranked batsman’s aggression to his and even went on to say that the Indian batsman is misunderstood.

"I love guys like that. People talk about arrogance but it is about believing in yourself. It is like having the keys to your home, Virat has something similar now (know all the entry and exits). I had it in my time, he has it now,” Richards said.

"I have always loved Indian batsmanship. The confidence he is blessed with you can't get that overnight. Either it's instilled in you or you are born with it. He is a fighter and defends his teammates more than anyone else. It's not arrogance, he fancies himself against anybody in the world and that I think is the right way to play. Every great player looks forward to being on the biggest stage and every such player wants to come out winning a cup. That's what Kohli has with him."