Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has made startling claims regarding Virat Kohli's Indian captaincy. He said that Virat Kohli "didn't leave captaincy but was forced to do so."
Praising Virat Kohli, Akhtar said that the former skipper is "a great batsman and has achieved more than anyone else in the world". Akhtar was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Legends Cricket League.
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"Virat didn't leave captaincy but was forced to do so. This is not the best of times for him but he needs to prove what he is made of. Is he made of steel or iron? He is a great guy and a cricketer. Do not try too many things, just go out there and play cricket. He is a great batsman and has achieved more than anyone else in the world. He just needs to go out there and play with his natural flow."
Shoaib Akhtar also tried to explain the reason behind Virat's constant dismissals on balls swinging away from the right-hander. "He plays a lot with his bottom hand and I think when the form is out, bottom hand players usually are the first ones to get in trouble."
"I think he's gonna come out of this. He should move forward from this and not keep any bitterness against anyone. Just forgive everybody and keep moving," Akhtar added.
Talking about India's next Test captain, the pacer said: "I know BCCI will make a smart decision regarding this."
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ICC released the schedule for T20 World Cup that is set to be played this year in Australia. India will begin the WC campaign against Pakistan on October 23, 2022. Speaking on this match, Akhtar said, "We (Pakistan) will beat India again in Melbourne. Pakistan is a better side than India in T20 cricket."
It's the Indian media that make unnecessary pressure on their team whenever we have the clash of both countries in cricket, it's normal for India to lose," Akhtar added.