Mohammad Hafeez Stands by Criticism of Virat Kohli’s Batting Strategy at ICC World Cup

Former Pakistani cricket captain, Mohammad Hafeez, has reiterated his stance on the batting approach of Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli, during the ICC ODI World Cup last year. Hafeez, known for his outspoken opinions, criticized Kohli for what he perceived as a ‘selfish’ approach during India’s match against South Africa where Kohli scored 101 runs off 121 balls.

The game had sparked controversy as Hafeez accused Kohli of focusing more on achieving personal milestones rather than prioritizing the team’s victory. At the time, Kohli’s century in the match against South Africa had tied him with legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar‘s record of 49 ODI tons. However, Hafeez felt that Kohli’s intent should have always been geared towards ensuring the team’s success.

Hafeez revisited his comments during a discussion with former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. Vaughan had initially reacted strongly to Hafeez’s critique but the Pakistani cricketer maintained his stance, asserting that players should consistently strive to contribute to the team’s triumph rather than personal accolades.

According to Hafeez, cricket should prioritize team victories over individual achievements. He emphasized the necessity for players to maintain a consistent intent throughout the game, focusing on actions that add value to the team’s performance. Hafeez highlighted his belief that personal milestones, such as centuries or five-wicket hauls, should only be celebrated when they contribute to the team’s success.

Vaughan, Gilchrist, and Hafeez engaged in a thoughtful discussion around the concept of personal milestones in cricket and the balance between individual accomplishments and team objectives. Hafeez’s critical analysis of Kohli’s approach in the ICC World Cup sparked a deeper conversation about the essence of sportsmanship and team spirit in the game of cricket.