Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has admired current captain Babar Azam over his gesture of helping the out-of-form Indian batter Virat Kohli. Afridi termed Azam’s initiative a very good one but added that a reaction from the Indian star would also have been outstanding.
Taking about his official Twitter handle on Thursday (July 14), Azam uploaded a picture of himself with the batter and said:
“This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohli.”
The gesture victory the Pakistan skipper a lot of praise on social media handles. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan answered:
“You will be remembered for this.”
This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/ozr7BFFgXt
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 14, 2022
Uploading his thoughts on Azam’s admirable tweet, Afridi stated to Sports Central:
“Be it cricket or any other sport, it improves relations (between countries). Athletes can do a much better job at it than politicians and a number of them are doing the same.”
He acknowledged the Pakistan captain’s gesture. Although, he added that a response from the former Indian captain would be a pleasant surprise given the current relations between the 2-countries. Afridi said:
“Babar has given across a very good message. I don’t know if there has been a response from the other side. I think Virat should have responded by now. It would be a very big thing if there is a response to Babar’s tweet, but I don’t think that is going to happen.”
Kohli was ruled out for 16 in the 2nd ODI of the 3-match series against England at Lord’s on Thursday (July 14). Chasing 247, India was all out for 146 as the hosts graded the 3-match series 1-1. The decision ODI will be played at Old Trafford on Sunday, July 17, 2022.
“I know what a player goes through in a similar phase” – Babar Azam on Virat Kohli’s tweet.
At a press conference before Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Azam started about his help for the former Indian skipper. He added:
“As a player myself, I know you can go through such a phase and I also know what a player goes through in such a phase. In those times, you need support. I just tweeted thinking that it will give just some support. He is one of the best players.”
Backing the 33-year-old to come out of the rote he finds himself in, the 27-year-old told:
“He is playing a lot of cricket and knows how to escape these situations. It takes time; it will be really good if you back players.”
🗣️ "Every player in this side is taking responsibility"
🇵🇰 captain @babarazam258 is ready for the Test series against Sri Lanka which begins tomorrow 🏏
📒: https://t.co/KGnfpIq71B#SLvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/rkFXH6mjGF
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 15, 2022
While Kohli has been rested for India’s next tour of the West Indies, which will quality 3 one-dayers and 5-T20Is.