Mohammad Amir reveals the tactics he used to dismiss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in 2017 Champions Trophy final

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir recently recalled the famous Champions Trophy final against India in 2017. Amir had starred in the blockbuster clash to power Pakistan to a historic triumph in England. Pakistan were firmly the underdogs while India were the favourites but the Men in Green came up with a solid display to win the trophy.

Recalling the match, Amir revealed the tactics he employed to dismiss India’s batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Amir revealed the tactics while talking to his former Pakistan teammate Kamran Akmal on the latter’s YouTube channel. Akmal asked Amir about his famous spell and the latter started by saying that he wanted to get rid of India’s famous top three.

“When I held the ball, the first thought that came to my mind was how enjoyable it would be if I can get these three batsmen out that day. I was thinking about that while going back to my run-up,” said Mohammad Amir.

Amir further said that he was aware of Rohit’s difficulties against the incoming deliveries. He added that he took the first two deliveries away from the Indian opener before surprising him with an incoming delivery. Rohit indeed fell into the trap and was caught plumb in front of the wicket for a duck in the very first over of the chase.

“I knew Sharma struggles against in-swing. So, my plan was that I will not bring in the first two balls. I will make him feel that the ball is not swinging and will take the ball away with the angle. If you see the first two balls, I just took them away with the angle. The third ball I brought it in. So, that was the plan which worked,” said Mohammad Amir.

Tactics used to dismiss Kohli

Mohammad Amir then revealed how he had Kohli caught at point by Shadab Khan. The left-arm pacer, who recently retired from international cricket, recalled Kohli being dropped by Azhar Ali at first slip. He revealed that at the moment, he was worried that Kohli might make the most of the reprieve like Fakhar Zaman did earlier in the game.

The pacer then went on to reveal the plan he used to get the better of the India skipper. Amir stated that Kohli was already looking to play the ball to the leg side expecting an in-swinger, only to be caught by Shadab Khan at point of a leading edge.

“And then Kohli came and when his catch was dropped, I remembered about Fakhar because he had got out to a no-ball and then scored a century. And I had not seen such a batting wicket at the Oval. So, while going to my run-up I was thinking that if Kohli stands there now, he will finish the match in 40-45 overs,” recalled Amir.

“When Kohli came to bat, I bowled him an in-swinger first and he was beaten. After that I had decided, I will not bring the ball in to him. Let him keep thinking that I will bring the ball in. The first one went to slip as it went out with the angle. The second one also I had thought I will bowl him the same but a little up and let him drive and wanted to take a chance for a slip catch.

“But Virat Kohli was already looking to play me towards the on-side. His body had already turned towards the on-side. But my ball was going away with the angle and I am thankful Shadab took a brilliant catch as it was a tough one,” he added.

Amir had finished the game with brilliant figures of 3 for 16 off six overs. After dismissing Kohli and Rohit, he had also dismissed Shikhar Dhawan. India were eventually bowled out for a paltry 158 while chasing an improbable total of 339.