‘So what, if he has not scored a century’ – Mohammed Shami comes out in Virat Kohli’s defence

Having not scored an international century since November 2019, Virat Kohli’s form has been under the scanner in recent times. Although the batter has slammed crucial half-centuries time and again, several fans and experts believe his best is past him now. However, his teammate and Indian speedster Mohammed Shami has different views on the matter. The right-arm pacer came out in Kohli’s defence and lashed out at the critics.

Shami said the former Indian skipper has been scoring fifties regularly and hence, there’s no reason to complain about his form. The pacer, who has played a lot of cricket under Kohli’s leadership, also said that the 33-year-0ld brings energy on the field, boosting up the morale of other bowlers.

There is no reason to complain about Virat Kohli’s form: Mohammed Shami

“So what, if he (Kohli) has not scored a century. A century doesn’t define how big a player he is. It is not that he has not scored runs. He has scored fifties consistently in the recent past and there is no reason why we should even think like that. A fifty or a sixty is also a score and as long as it is helping the team, there is no reason to complain,”said the 31-year-old while speaking to India.com.

“Kohli’s energy is the best thing and that rubs on to the rest of the team. He is a bowler’s captain and always gave us the freedom to express ourselves. He would always take our opinion and ask for options,” he stated.

On being asked to pick one memorable moment with the former Indian skipper, Shami said: “We have spent so much time together and there are so many memorable moments. It will always remain with me and it is difficult to pick or choose any one such moment.”

Meanwhile, Kohli has now stepped down as captain from all three formats but will continue to offer his services as a batter. He was last seen in India’s tour of South Africa, where the visitors suffered defeats in both Test and ODI series. However, Kohli managed to play some vital knocks. He’ll next be seen in the upcoming home series against West Indies, which comprises three ODIs and as many T20Is. Shami has been rested from these fixtures.