‘Stupid logic’ – Fans slam Shoaib Akhtar’s ‘Virat Kohli shouldn’t have married’ remarks

Fans have come out hard at former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar for his remarks on Virat Kohli. Speaking on Kohli’s dip in form, Akhtar stated that there’s massive pressure on the Indian batter. The 46-year-old also equipped that he wouldn’t have married to focus on his career, had he been in Kohli’s place. Netizens aren’t amused with Akhtar’s thoughts as the former cricketer faced a lot of backlash on social media.

For the unversed, Kohli hasn’t been at his prime since the last couple of years. In fact, his last international century was recorded back in November 2019. Last year, the right-handed batter stepped down as T20I captain citing workload. He was later sacked from the role in ODIs as well. The most shocking part was Kohli even gave up Test captaincy following India’s 2-1 defeat against South Africa recently.

Many fans and experts have shared their contrasting opinions on Kohli’s dip in form. However, Akhtar, who’s known from his outlandish and controversial statements, gave the saga a different angle. The veteran said had he been an Indian fast bowler, he would have put his entire focus on cricket and would have married only after retirement.

Had I been in Virat Kohli’s place, I wouldn’t have married: Shoaib Akhtar

“If I was in India and was a fast-bowler, I would not have married. I would have focused on my cricket, this is my thinking. It was Kohli’s personal decision. If you asked me, I would have focused on my cricket,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by NDTV. Twitter users found Akhtar’s remarks ‘sexist’ and the veteran faced massive criticism for the same.

#WATCH | Performance pressure is there on him (Virat Kohli) …I wanted him to marry…after scoring 120 centuries…I wouldn't have married…had I been in his place… anyway, that's his personal decision..: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli (23.01) pic.twitter.com/aGRi82kxxE

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2022

For the unversed, Kohli tied knots with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. In January 2021, the power couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, and named her Vamika. The batter had taken a paternity leave from India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia to attend his child’s birth.

Meanwhile, many cricketers have talked about the importance of giving time to family alongside their cricket career. South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, at 29, announced his Test retirement last month in order to spend more time with his young family. Many do reckon that Kohli might be in a similar space. However, Akhtar’s thoughts weren’t entertained by many.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to Shoaib Akhtar’s remarks:

Oye @shoaib100mph
Virat Kohli aur Anushka Sharma ko blame karne ka haq humko hai tu chup reh https://t.co/FMcN9iBbz6

— sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) January 23, 2022

Then @shoaib100mph health got deteriorated after marriage. He was able to run atleast with medication. Now his running days are over.
What a stupid analysis.

— Franklyspeaking369 (@Frankopinion69) January 24, 2022

@shoaib100mph is seriously stupid… no wonder he was asked to leave the PTV show by @DrNaumanNiaz 😂😂😂

— HG (@Harshgo1104) January 24, 2022

Total Bullshit…
Anushka had not affected him in any way. Every player have patch in career. Or problems after certain age. Stupid logic by Shoaib Akhtar. https://t.co/WzUUglCIPw

— RUPESH (@RNBHANGARE) January 23, 2022

Shoaib Akhtar's reason for Virat's rough performance patch- "Marriage distracted him"!!
Shoaibbhai, this must be happening in Pakistan that if you can't do something, blame it on the wife..
We've got real men here. We own our sh*t..thank you!#ShoaibAkhtar #ViratKohli

— Dais World ᵀᴹ (@world_dais) January 24, 2022

Thats his personal life

— Pradeep (@Pradtwts) January 24, 2022

कुछ भी बक रहे हो @shoaib100mph कौन ड्रॉप करेगा @imVkohli को अभी भी सबसे ज्यादा रन टीम के लिये कोहली ही बना रहा है last 15 Oneday Innings मे 9 Fifty आये हैं कोहली के…… 120 Century भी होंगे जल्द InshaAllah
गलत बयान बाजी नही

— @DrMohdHamzahma1 (@DrMohdHamzahma2) January 24, 2022

विराट .. ने विराट पारियां खेली हैं .. अनुष्का ने हमेशा साथ दिया …
जोड़ियां तो किस्मत से बनती हैं ..
पूरा देश विराट और अनुष्का के साथ💐💐🇮🇳🇮🇳

— anil sharma (@anil_nagrik) January 24, 2022

EvErybody have thEir own prsnl lifE
Mr @shoaib100mph
U can do ur own job

Infact kinG doesn't nEED anY of ur comments

— NahsrahD🌐ᴺᴼᴹᵉᵃⁿˢᴺᴼwEar mask staY safE (@imNAyrus) January 24, 2022

@AnushkaSharma is @imVkohli 's real life passion, you moron. Your kind knows nothing about love, that is why @shoaib100mph can marry again and again, very religiously. https://t.co/zrnAMLDMUI

— Bhiji Dr (@BhijiDr) January 24, 2022

Virat Kohli should have got married after completing his playing career, says Shoaib Akhtar

#ShoaibAkhtar #Kohli

— Mr.Boney (@mr_boney2) January 24, 2022

I love cricket but seeing this kind of toxic fanaticism from @shoaib100mph is disgusting. Don't place cricket on the pedestal of others' life. It's just a game & even then @imVkohli has already achieved so much that he'll retain a legend status even if he retires now.

— Joshua Stephen (@JoshStepjn) January 24, 2022