Published: Aug 28, 2024, 03:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 28, 2024, 03:59 PM (IST)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most renowned cricket players of the current era, are the batting icons of India. Despite never having played an international match in Pakistan, both players have enormous fan bases all over the world thanks to their ability to win games and alter the course of matches.
When it comes to nations where Virat and Rohit have thrilled supporters with their batting, Pakistan is still missing.
Virat has never played for the senior squad in Pakistan, but he did travel there once while he was an Under-19 player.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes that before quitting international cricket, Virat and Rohit, who have already bid a fond farewell to T20 internationals, ought to make a trip to Pakistan.
After India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, the Indian batting duo decided to quit the format in the international arena.
“Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire,” Akmal said . “These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances.”
“The fan following they will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they’ve seen elsewhere.”
India and Pakistan’s most recent series took place in 2012–13. The only international competitions in which the two teams have faced off since then are the Asia Cup and the ICC championships. Fans are eager for the exciting India vs. Pakistan matches to resume because there are no regular bilateral series.
“Rohit is the captain of the World Cup winning team, Virat is a global role model, and Bumrah is the best pacer in the world right now.
Every fan will experience something different when players such as Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah visit Pakistan. Virat visited Pakistan when he was still under-19, but he wasn’t as well-liked back then, according to Akmal.
“If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here. He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world.
More than any other player on their own cricket team, Pakistani fans like Virat, Rohit, and Bumrah “The former wicketkeeper stated.
Virat and Rohit will return to action when they play Bangladesh in the forthcoming two-match Test series.
The first Test will start in Chennai on September 19 while the second Test will start on September 27 at Green Park in Kanpur.
