As the cricket world anticipates the upcoming third ODI between India and Australia, former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has some game-changing advice for Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. In a recent interview, Akhtar suggested that Kohli should stop playing T20Is and concentrate on ODIs and Test cricket to have a shot at surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable feat of 100 international centuries.
Kohli, currently with 75 international tons under his belt, is widely regarded as one of the best cricketers in the world. However, Akhtar believes that to break the record set by the legendary Tendulkar, Kohli must shift his focus from the shortest format of the game. “I feel he should stop playing T20Is and stick with ODIs and Test cricket,” said Akhtar.
The Rawalpindi Express, as Akhtar is fondly known, argues that Kohli’s strengths lie in his ability to adapt to different formats of the game, particularly ODIs, and Tests. Akhtar insists that by prioritizing these formats, Kohli can not only prolong his career but also increase his chances of surpassing Tendulkar’s record.
Kohli, often compared to Tendulkar for his exceptional batting skills, has the opportunity to etch his name in cricket history by breaking the Master Blaster’s record. Tendulkar, who retired in 2013, boasts an unparalleled tally of 100 international centuries, a record that has yet to be broken.
With the third ODI against Australia just around the corner, Kohli and Team India have a chance to showcase their skills and bring home another victory. As for the question of whether Kohli will heed Akhtar’s advice and shift his focus from T20s to ODIs and Tests, only time will tell. Should he choose to do so, the cricketing world may witness history in the making, as the Indian skipper chases the elusive record set by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.