Summary: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan showered praise on Virat Kohli in a press conference after India’s dominant victory. Kohli’s masterclass, fitness, and milestone achievement left everyone in awe.
Facing the media after a crushing defeat is never easy, but Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to begin his press conference by applauding Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. His heartfelt tribute left journalists in awe, as he acknowledged Kohli’s brilliance, fitness, and relentless work ethic.
Kohli, who had been facing intense scrutiny due to a lean patch, silenced his critics in spectacular fashion. In a high-stakes clash against Pakistan, the Indian maestro delivered a sensational, unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, decorated with seven elegant fours. With this knock, Kohli not only guided India to victory but also etched his name in history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs.
Rizwan’s Unwavering Admiration for Kohli
Despite the painful defeat, Rizwan couldn’t help but marvel at Kohli’s performance. As the media bombarded him with questions, he paused to express his admiration for the Indian star.
“First, let’s talk about Virat Kohli,” Rizwan said, his words commanding attention. “I am amazed by his dedication. The world was questioning his form, but in a high-pressure match, he comes in and effortlessly takes control. We tried everything to stop him, but he still found a way to score runs against us.”
Rizwan also highlighted Kohli’s extraordinary fitness at the age of 36, emphasizing the hard work behind his longevity.
“I will absolutely praise his fitness and work ethic. As cricketers, we know how demanding this game is. But Kohli, despite all the talk of being out of form, steps up in crucial matches and delivers. That takes incredible dedication,” he added.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Rizwan’s Honest Admission
While Rizwan acknowledged Kohli’s brilliance, he didn’t shy away from critiquing his own team’s performance. He candidly admitted that Pakistan faltered in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding.
“Losing is tough. When you lose, you face difficult questions. But the reality is, we made mistakes across all three areas. The only bright spot in our bowling was Abrar, but beyond that, we struggled,” he confessed.
Pakistan’s Dwindling Chances
With this defeat, Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy is hanging by a thread. Their fate now rests in Bangladesh’s hands. If the Tigers manage to upset New Zealand in Rawalpindi, Pakistan will stay in contention for the next round.
Regardless of Pakistan’s future in the tournament, Rizwan’s press conference stood as a reminder of the mutual respect that great athletes have for one another. His words about Kohli resonated across the cricketing world, showcasing the spirit of the game beyond rivalries.
