(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India batter Virat Kohli is a modern-day legend. Kohli is also a candidate for the debate of the best ODI batter, having attained the record of the highest number of centuries (50) hit by an individual in the format.
While Kohli always stands a step up against most of the bowlers, there is one such pacer, who has had his number, at least in ODI cricket.
Former Pakistan fast-bowler Junaid Khan dismissed Kohli in each of the ODIs in 2012-13 when India played their last bilateral series versus the Men in Green.
While speaking on the Nadir Ali Podcast, Junaid divulged on his battle with Kohli, sharing an anecdote from Pakistan’s 2012-13 tour of India. The pacer revealed that after he got the better of Kohli in the first ODI of the series, the batter conveyed it to him that he will not get dismissed to him in the remaining matches, but again fell in his trap twice.
“We have played in the U-19 World Cup, we knew each other. It was my comeback series and I was playing against India for the first time. I got Kohli in the first match and he told me it will not happen again. I got him again in the second and third match. Before the third ODI at the breakfast table, I told him ‘Viru, aaj aapki khair nahi hai (Virat, you will not be spared today).’ Younis Khan was also there. He said get him out again today. Younis bhai took Virat’s catch,” Junaid said as quoted.
The duo has been up against each other in five ODIs, sharing a history of just 24 balls, making for three dismissals and as many runs.