Indian cricket stalwart, Virat Kohli, made headlines on Friday as he shared a warm interaction with Pakistani cricketers ahead of their much-anticipated clash scheduled for the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on Saturday.
The 34-year-old middle-order batter met with key Pakistani players, including Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown between the arch-rivals.
During the practice session, Kohli shared a heartwarming moment with Haris Rauf, as the two cricketers exchanged smiles and embraced in a show of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
After the practice session, Kohli, standing at the pavilion, engaged in a friendly conversation with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan. Laughter echoed through the air as the trio enjoyed their time together. Later on, Shaheen Shah Afridi joined the group, and Kohli extended his warm greetings to the Pakistani star.
These interactions between Indian and Pakistani cricketers exemplify the strong bond and mutual respect they share, with their encounters often marked by memorable moments of sportsmanship.
Notably, Kohli had a chat with Babar Azam and Rizwan earlier, following Pakistan’s historic victory against India in the T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai, demonstrating that cricket transcends borders and rivalries.
Virat Kohli opens up on Pak vs Ind clash
In anticipation of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash, Kohli emphasized the need for his teammates to be at their “absolute best” when facing Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack. In an interview ahead of the Asia Cup, Kohli acknowledged the talent and quality within the Pakistan team, particularly in their bowling department.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strength in bowling and the presence of impactful bowlers capable of changing the game’s dynamics with their skillset. Kohli acknowledged that playing against Pakistan is always an exciting challenge, emphasizing the importance of being at the peak of their game to contend with their arch-rivals.
The Asia Cup group match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 2. If both teams qualify, they may face each other again on September 10 in the super-four stage and potentially in the final on September 17, adding even more excitement to the tournament’s narrative.
Also, see:
Asia Cup 2023: 3 Players to Watch out During Pakistan vs India Clash
