'Virat Kohli should not be compared to anyone' - Former Pakistan opener Ahmad Shahzad heaps praise on legendary Indian batter

Star India batter Virat Kohli's match-winning innings in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados was nothing short of brilliance after a series of poor performances in the entire competition. 

Notably, Kohli's sensational 76-run knock off 59 balls proved to be the turning point in a nail-biting clash. Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad, in a viral video, expressed his admiration for Kohli's impact on the game. Notably, the legendary Indian batter bid adieu to the T20I format after achieving the World Cup glory, hence he believes that Kohli had left a legacy worth cherishing. 

"Virat Kohli is a legend of our generation and he is leaving behind a legacy in T20I cricket. He has always played his cricket with enthusiasm. Even in his last match, someone else was taking wickets and he was celebrating at long-on, long-off," Shahzad was quoted as saying by Bol India News.

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It won't be easy for India to fill in the shoes of Virat Kohli: Ahmad Shahzad

Furthermore, Ahmad Shahzad emphasized the pivotal role Virat Kohli played in India's victory and came back with a strong performance in the summit clash after a string of low scores. The discussion naturally turned to comparisons between Kohli and other cricketers, particularly Pakistan's Babar Azam. Shahzad was clear-cut in his stance.

"He didn't score runs in the whole World Cup but as destiny would have it, he scored runs in the final when no one else scored and had Virat not scored in that final, India wouldn't have won. I think he's leaving a big legacy behind for the Indian team, for the rest of the world. It won't be easy for India to fill in the shoes of Virat Kohli in any format. Good luck to the Indian cricket team to fit his shoes," the former Pakistan cricketer further added.

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"There is no one like Virat Kohli, let alone me, let alone anybody else. People even compare him with Babar Azam. He should not be compared to anyone. He has an amazing strike rate and average in ICC tournaments. So he shouldn't be compared to anyone," he continued.

"He's one and only Virat Kohli, he got the send-off that he deserved. I am happy as a cricketer that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma got the send-offs that they both deserved," Shahzad concluded.

The modern-day great announced his retirement from T20Is after the match. With 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including a century and 38 half-centuries, he leaves a great mark on T20 international cricket. His World Cup record is particularly impressive, scoring 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 in 35 games.