Shahid Afridi states Virat Kohli is fantastic on field and even better off it

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi in his latest column revealed that he shares a great bond with the majority of Indian players and singled out the nature of Virat Kohli claiming that his heroics with the bat is only exceeded by his heart of gold. Pakistani star allrounder also revealed that Kohli’s gesture post the T20 World Cup fixture between India and Pakistan in 2016 won the heart of Afridi. Virat Kohli

Kohli gifted his jersey to Afridi which was signed by all the players in the Indian team. “Another player I admire and respect from the present lot is Virat Kohli. He has a fantastic cricket bat in hand and an even a better heart in his supremely fit body.” said the Pakistani stalwart.

“I will always remember him for the gesture he showed when he gave me an India cricket team’s signed shirt following our match in Kolkata in the World T20,” added Afridi.

Thank you to you and the entire Indian team for a wonderful farewell gift @imVkohli. Respect superstar, hope to see you soon ? pic.twitter.com/DGz8aMs1Xv

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 21, 2017

Afridi further mentioned that the gesture reminded him of all the good times he has had with the Indian players. “This shirt sits prominently in my collection and will always remind me of not only my matches and visits to India but my excellent relationships with most, if not all India cricketers,” stated Afridi in his column for the ICC.

He also expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of bilateral cricket between the two nations. India last played a Test match with Pakistan almost a decade back in 2007. He also mentioned that he has a good rapport with Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.

“The three are my good mates and we have some wonderful memories together from the times when both the sides used to play and tour each other on a regular basis. In the early days of our careers, we used to hang out together quite a lot and also spend time at each other’s homes,” recalled Afridi.”Now, all of us are married and, as such, responsibilities and the priority lists have changed.But whenever we catch-up, we meet with warmth and love and remember our good times together” he concluded.

Afridi is currently the ambassador of Champions Trophy from Pakistan.