Mahmudullah picks Virat Kohli as one of the three best batsmen in the world

Mahmudullah Riyad, the Bangladesh all-rounder, has named Indian skipper Virat Kohli as one of the best three batsmen in world cricket. Kohli is currently the only batter, who has an average in excess of 50 in the all three formats at the highest level.

Having notched over 21,000 runs, the Delhi-born is, well and truly, on his way to be counted amongst the greats of the game. As the other two best batsmen, Mahmudullah picked Pakistan’s Babar Azam and his own countryman Mushfiqur Rahim.

Babar has arguably been his team’s standout batsman across formats. After shining in the T20I and ODI formats, the Lahore-born has started to find his feat even in Test cricket. He is currently, the ICC’s number-one batsman in T20Is.

As far as Mushfiqur is concerned, he is Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket. He has been a stalwart for the Tigers in their middle order. The Bogra-born has over 11,500 runs for Bangladesh with 14 centuries and 146 half-centuries.

The 34-year-old Mahmudullah put forth his choices on a Facebook Live programme ‘Life Is Beautiful’ organized by the country’s private satellite television channel ‘Jamuna Television’.

Didn’t play against Shoaib Akhtar, says Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah also expressed his desire to face Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan fast bowler. The Mymensingh-born said that facing the Rawalpindi Express could be a massive challenge, but he doesn’t wish to shy away from it.

“I didn’t play against Shoaib Akhtar. But I played one match against him but did not face him. I think I wanted to face him. It would be obviously challenging as well,” Mahmudullah said. “He was the quickest bowler in his prime time. It would be challenging facing him and I like taking challenges as well,” he added.

As far as Mahmudullah is concerned, he has been an asset for Bangladesh cricket for over a decade. In 49 Tests, 188 ODIs and 87 T20Is, he has 2,764, 4,070 and 1,475 runs respectively. He also has seven centuries and 41 half-centuries to show for his efforts.

He has had his issues with form over the last few months, but he remains as a vital cog in the national team’s setup. Earlier this year, he also played for the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League and took them to the playoffs.