Shoaib Akhtar feels Virat Kohli is the benchmark for all the batsmen to follow

He came out to bat with India’s score reading 54/2. Soon it became 59/3 with Sam Curran breathing fire and Joe Root brought his nemesis, James Anderson, back into the attack. Virat Kohli’s temperament was tested to its hilt at Edgbaston on the second day and though he fell prey at times to the probing line outside the off-stump, he managed to survive and played a magnificent knock of 149 runs. Impressed with his immaculate determination Shoaib Akhtar showered praises on the Indian captain for single-handedly bailing his team out of trouble.

All the eyes were on him before the tour began thanks to his mediocre record in England. His technique was exposed by Anderson and was constantly dismissed while poking at the deliveries outside the off-stump. But the way he has made a comeback is absolutely brilliant and no wonder has shut his critics with a game-changing inning of 149 runs.

Virat Kohli wasn’t authoritative from the word go and neither this was a chanceless knock. He poked at the deliveries outside the off-stump and edged but this time, he was playing it with the soft hands which led to the ball not carrying to the slip fielders.

But the wickets tumbling at the other end, forced him to change his stance and play more shots which eventually worked in his favour. At 182/8, Virat had just crossed the 50-run mark and then he controlled the Indian innings his way. He hogged more strike and smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground. The result was a horrendous last session for England and the game had turned dramatically in an hour’s play.

Akhtar in awe of Kohli

Much like the other cricketers around the world, Shoaib Akhtar was literally in awe of Virat Kohli. He lauded his determination to succeed and hailed him for his dedication towards the game. He also declared him as the best batsman in the World and suggested the other batters to follow him as the benchmark in order to succeed in international cricket.

Here are his tweets:

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