Overcoming challenges has become Virat Kohli's habit, it's his best quality: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif offered keen insights into the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2023. Kaif delved into the high expectations placed on Virat Kohli as he faces Pakistan in this highly anticipated match.

He highlighted Kohli's remarkable ability to overcome challenges and his stellar record against Pakistan, emphasizing that when Kohli takes to the field against Pakistan, his performances speak volumes.

"Overcoming challenges is one of Virat’s best qualities. That has become his habit. It’s a big match, and his record against Pakistan is great. Whenever he plays against Pakistan, his bat does the talking,” Kaif said while speaking to Star Sports on Follow the Blues.

“And people have high expectations of him. People have expectations from someone who performs regularly. For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But the senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, if they fail, the fans don’t like it at all. There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form for the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also,” he added.

Furthermore, Kaif discussed the pivotal matchup that cricket enthusiasts eagerly await – the battle between Virat Kohli and Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi. Kaif also highlighted Virat Kohli's special quality of thriving in big matches and his aggressive approach, emphasizing that he won't shy away from taking on the opposition's bowlers.

“Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. He has told it himself that his game plan is very simple, bring the ball in and fast, whatever the batsman wants to do let him, his game plan is straightforward - bring the ball in, hit the pad and hit the stumps. So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is in to take him on; it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won't play on the backfoot. Naseem Shah, Afridi or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the backfoot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary."