ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ex-Pakistani cricketer hails Virat Kohli as the true 'King'! Find out who
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has lauded Virat Kohli as the rightful 'King' of cricket, following his match-winning century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s 81st international ton helped India chase down a target of 241 runs with ease at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Kohli’s brilliant innings, which included a boundary off the final ball to seal the victory, stood in stark contrast to Babar Azam’s performance. The Pakistan captain scored 23 off 26 balls before falling to a harmless delivery by Hardik Pandya in the 9th over.
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Speaking on PTV after the match, Hafeez criticized the PR campaigns surrounding Babar Azam and emphasized Kohli’s consistent performances on the global stage.
"Virat is a high (big) stage performer. He looks out for big occasions and performs. Whenever India plays against Pakistan, you get a chance to star in those matches. Shoaib Malik bowled well against India, that's where he became a star, Shahid Afridi became a star when he hit sixes against India. Virat Kohli keeps waiting for those occasions, he waits to cash in on those opportunities. He keeps a positive mindset, he thinks that 'I will win the match for India. I will not only play, but I will win the match for my country.' And that's why he is the greatest batter in the world," Hafeez said.
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"In reality, if someone deserves to be called King, it is Virat Kohli, and not Babar Azam. Look at his performance. He has performed all across the world, not become a king by employing PR. Call out those spokespersons, show them the mirror," he added.
Kohli’s century was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest batters in cricket history. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s loss to India has left them on the brink of elimination from the tournament. With two consecutive defeats, Pakistan now rely on other match results and must win their final game against Bangladesh by a significant margin to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
