Shoaib Malik said that making hundreds is a big thing.
Shoaib Malik felt short of words to hail Virat Kohli’s brilliance and determination after the Indian superstar smashed a record ton against South Africa at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
On November 5, Kohli smashed his 49th ODI ton to help Team India beat South Africa by 243 runs at Eden Gardens, as well as equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI centuries on his 35th birthday.
Well, Malik said that making hundreds is a big thing, more so for the winning cause, so Kohli deserves all the credit for his performance. The former Pakistan captain also lauded Kohli for his stunning fitness level, which makes him look like a 25-year-old player.
Shoaib Malik was quoted as saying on A Sports: “Words are not enough to praise Kohli. I have no doubt that he is the man who equaled the record today, the great Sachin Tendulkar. But there is one more interesting thing, his hundreds win matches for his side. That's what matters.”
He continued, “To make a hundred is a massive deal; credit should be given for it. But along with it, if you win the game, there is nothing beyond that. One more interesting thing about Virat is that he assesses the conditions well. Even if he gets out, it feels like one batter was playing well and from one end the runs were flowing, like we have seen in this World Cup.”
Hailing Kohli’s fitness, Malik said: “His physical fitness is next level. Today he celebrated his 35th birthday, but it feels like he is a 25-year-old when he is running between the wickets. So, physical fitness is very very important, because that makes you consistent like Kohli.”
He signed off by saying, “You see him come out to bat after fielding for 50 overs. There is no difference in him. And he fields in the hot spots as well. He is always there in important places and that's there when you fitness like Virat Kohli.”