The former Pakistani speedster suggests that Virat should retire from both ODIs and T20Is to extend his Test career.
Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli may not have the closest friendship, but they both share a common goal: to elevate Indian cricket to unprecedented heights. Ganguly achieved this during his captaincy from 2000 to 2005, and Kohli followed suit from 2015 to 2021. Despite their differences, Ganguly came to Kohli's aid when Shoaib Akhtar made an intriguing comment about Virat's future.
As Kohli prepares for what is likely to be his final 50-over World Cup, the former Pakistani speedster suggests that Virat should retire from both ODIs and T20Is to extend his Test career. In an interview with RevSportz, Akhtar expressed his belief that by eliminating ODIs and T20s, Kohli can concentrate all his focus and energy on Test cricket. This would allow him to play for many more years and surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 centuries.
"I don't think he should play more 50-overs matches after this World Cup. Also, if you see him in T20s, it takes a lot out of him. I think he should play for at least six more years and break the 100 hundreds record of Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli has it in him to break the record. He should focus on Test cricket after this World Cup, and break this record," Akhtar said on the show 'Backstage with Boria' on Thursday.
Later that evening, Ganguly delivered an absolutely brilliant response that left Akhtar speechless. The former captain of the Indian cricket team failed to comprehend Akhtar's assessment and staunchly supported Kohli's right to play according to his own wishes and desires.
"Why? Virat Kohli should play whatever cricket he wants to play. Because he performs," Ganguly said in a mic-drop moment on the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the 'Brand Face.'
Kohli's Test performances are undeniably impressive, placing him among the ranks of modern-day greats. However, they do not quite match the ferocity of his ODI accomplishments. Currently, he has amassed 8,676 runs from 11 Tests, positioning him as the fifth-highest run-scorer behind cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, and VVS Laxman. His record boasts an impressive 29 centuries and a notable average of 49.29. In 2018, Kohli was even honored with the prestigious ICC Test Player of the Year award.
Shifting our focus to ODIs, Kohli once again stands as the fifth highest run-getter, but this time in the list of overall scorers, facing tough competition from cricket icons Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Sanath Jayasuriya who precede him. However, considering Kohli's current form, it is entirely plausible that he will surpass both Jayasuriya and Ponting in the near future. To achieve this feat, he needs to bridge a gap of 532 and 806 runs respectively. If Kohli maintains his current batting prowess, these milestones are definitely within his reach by the time the World Cup 2023 concludes.
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