Published: Feb 22, 2017, 05:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 22, 2017, 05:50 PM (IST)
Pakistan seems to be struggling to make a consistent impact over international cricket. Even though the bowlers have performed well, the batsmen are still struggling. The batsmen were not able to perform to their potential and have always let the team down with their average performances. Even though Pakistan boasts a requisite skill and talent, the batsmen were not able deliver their best, when they were needed the most. Particularly, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have been criticised by the fans for not performing up to potential. The two have always been compared to Virat Kohli from the very beginning of their international career.
While Kohli was able to improve his performance in each match and consolidate his position as a leading international batsmen, these two could not recreate the same magic. Now, Umar Akmal has lashed out the people who compare him with Kohli. According to Umar, it’s unfair to draw a comparison between them as Kohli bats at No. 3 while he bats at No. 6.
“When people compare me with Kohli, it’s not fair. It’s a matter of batting positions. Since his debut, he is batting at No. 3 and I have been playing at No. 6. Let me play at 3 and Kohli at 6, then compare me with him,” Akmal told Wisden India. Also read: Umar Akmal: Still wonder why I was dropped from Test side
Akmal feels it will be wise to compare Kohli with Babar Azam as both of them bat at No. 3 position. As Babar is batting at similar batting position of Kohli and doing well with a great form, Akmal feels this comparison is justified.
While Kohli has registered 27 centuries in 179 ODI, Akmal has only two centuries in 116 ODIs to his credit. Further, Kohli has a superior T20I record as compared to Akmal. Kohli has been able showcase a brilliant innings in Test matches, mean while Akmal does not play in Test matches. He however is looking forward to win a Test spot.
