Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistan fast bowler, has made headlines with his recent comments on the comparisons drawn between Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and other prominent players like Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. On the Cricket Predicta Show, Amir expressed his views, stating, “Virat Kohli is the greatest player of this generation. I laugh when comparisons are made between him and Babar Azam, Steve Smith, or Joe Root. We cannot compare Virat Kohli to anyone because he has won so many matches for India, which seems impossible for any one player. Not just in one format, but in all three formats, Virat is the greatest batsman of this generation.”
These remarks come amid persistent comparisons between Kohli and Azam, the latter often facing undue pressure due to such evaluations, which have affected his recent form. Amir’s dismissal of these comparisons is steeped in Kohli’s unparalleled ability to deliver consistent performances across all formats of the game.
Highlighting Kohli’s work ethic, Amir noted, “Virat Kohli’s work ethic sets him apart from all players. After his bad phase in England in 2014, the way he made a comeback and then consistently performed for the next 10 years was no ordinary feat.” This encapsulates Amir's admiration for Kohli's resilience and evolution as a player.
Reflecting on their on-field encounters, Amir recalled the significance of dismissing Kohli during the 2017 Champions Trophy final, stating, “His wicket was very important for us, which helped us win the final. If Virat had not been dismissed, we would have lost the final because we all know how exceptional Virat’s record is when chasing runs.” This acknowledgment of Kohli’s impact on the game cements Amir's stance on the Indian batsman’s stature.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s current form is under scrutiny as he participates in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, with the series currently tied at 1-1 after three matches. Kohli has had mixed results, scoring only one century against several low scores, yet he remains optimistic about bouncing back.
Despite any recent struggles, Amir's comments reinstate Kohli’s legendary status, asserting his dominance and distinguishing him from contemporary cricketers. The former bowler emphasized how Kohli’s record as a match-winner cannot be underscored by comparisons with anyone, including Babar Azam, who, though immensely talented, still has significant ground to cover to match Kohli's achievements.
This commentary from Amir not only highlights the excellence of Virat Kohli but also sheds light on the pressures young cricketers face amid incessant comparisons. The cricketing fraternity often positions young talents against established legends, creating unrealistic expectations.
There’s certainly respect shared between Amir and Kohli, which transcends their on-field rivalries. Amir’s reflections reveal how admiration for someone of Kohli's caliber remains strong, particularly among fellow cricketers who understand the rigorous demands of the sport.
While the cricket community may continue to debate and analyze the merits of Kohli’s legendary status, Amir’s insights provide clarity on Kohli’s immense contributions to Indian cricket, showcasing him as not merely one of the best but the best of his generation.
Indeed, the dialogue surrounding Kohli and Azam serves as a reminder of the standards set by exceptional athletes. It is about their collective capabilities rather than pitting them against one another and undermining their achievements.
With cricket's ever-evolving narrative, it remains to be seen how future generations of players will navigate the waters of comparison and legacy. Yet, Amir’s impassioned defense of Kohli stands as a high watermark for what it means to achieve greatness on the cricket field today.
