Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has pointed out that it was the management that helped Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who was a ‘brat’ like himself, create a reputable brand for his name.

Shoaib Akhtar lauds Virat Kohli's transformation of brand. Pic: Reuters

Veteran pacer Shoaib Akhtar is known for his openness about the criticism and praising of the Indian cricket team, especially the skipper Virat Kohli. Akhtar, unlike most cricket experts, is more vocal and forward about his opinions. This time, on a YouTube show call ‘Cricket Baaz’, the Rawalpindi Express asserted that Virat Kohli used to be a ‘brat’ like him and it was, in fact, the entire system that lent its support to the Indian skipper and helped him transform his brand. Akhtar admitted that he has been a fan of the aforementioned transformation.

“Virat Kohli has reached a whole new level, but who is behind the Kohli brand? In 2010, 2011, Kohli was nowhere to be seen. He was part of the circle; he was a brat like me. All of a sudden, the system supported him. The management went around him. He also realised that there’s a lot of reputation at stake,” Akhtar said on ‘Cricket Baaz’.

The comparisons between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is something that every cricket fan is aware of. However, Akhtar said it would be unfair on Tendulkar as he played during a much difficult era. But he also backed Kohli stating that he is not at fault for playing in a relatively easier era.

“It’s not his fault that he’s playing in an era of easy cricket, or if Sachin played in a tougher era or Wasim, Waqar and Inzamam have player a much more competitive brand of cricket. So if he’s scoring runs, what we can say about it?” Akhtar said.

His keen interest in Indian cricket has invited a lot of criticism for Akhtar but the veteran pacer clarified himself stating that his criticism isn’t partial towards any team.

“I criticize India as well. But if Virat Kohli has 12,000 runs, what else you can say, Rohit Sharma has two double centuries in One Day cricket, what can you say. The enemy’s qualities should be known among us. Kohli has become the greatest batsman, what can you say, should I say he is a bad person or he is not a good player,” Akhtar added.