Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar picked Indian skipper Virat Kohli as the most difficult modern era batsman to bowl to. In a Question and Answer session with his fans on Twitter, an individual questioned the 44-year old on who the toughest batsman to face was currently. The Pakistani pace legend answered back in a flash and mentioned Kohli. Akhtar has always spoken highly of Kohli and has always emphasized that the Pakistani batters can learn a lot from the Indian, be it his panache for big scores or his dedication towards fitness.
The Delhi player is on a record-making spree at the moment, both as a player and captain. Though he was dismissed for no score in the recent Test against Bangladesh at Indore, Kohli recorded his 11th innings win in Tests as captain for Team India in the longest format. With it, he surpassed the likes of MS Dhoni, Mohammad Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly.
Akhtar also went on to reveal his favourite dismissal in his international career. He picked Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket from the Kolkata Test in 1999 as his favourite dismissal. The Master Blaster had been sent back for a duck by Akhtar in the particular game. The seamer also named Wasim Akram and Sourav Ganguly as his favourite captains. Akhtar played under Ganguly in his stint with IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders.
Akhtar named Brian Lara as his all-time favourite batsman, and when quizzed about his favourite all-time sporting hero, the fast bowler was quick to mention Roger Federer’s name.