‘Let’s Talk About Virat Kohli’: Mohammad Rizwan Stuns All with His Press Conference Remarks

It is not simple for a captain to stand before the media following a defeat and compliment a player from the opposing side.

But Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, did not think twice before showering Virat Kohli with praise following his masterful performance, which almost deprived the hosts of their place in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Kohli walked into the game against Pakistan during a lean phase, his form having been severely criticized to the extent that his position in the team had been questioned. But the star batsman had a masterclass response, sending the Pakistan bowlers all over the park.

Virat's century of 100* off 111 balls with seven boundaries was a treat to watch for all cricket lovers. It was also a milestone in his career as he became the quickest player to score 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals.

At the post-match press conference following Pakistan's defeat, Rizwan couldn't help but express his respect for Kohli’s performance. Not only was he impressed by Kohli’s batting prowess, but also by his exceptional fitness, especially considering Kohli is 36 years old. When questions began pouring in from the media, Rizwan took a moment to focus on praising the Indian batsman, highlighting his effort and skill.

"First, there's Virat Kohli. I'm in awe of how committed he is. He had to have labored so very hard. The world used to keep saying how out of form he was, but in those big games when the whole world is watching, he plays this ball so naturally – and that's where we don't wish him to be scoring. And yet he scores, and he gets away," Rizwan said, sending the media in a state of shock with their true admiration.

He added, "I have to compliment his fitness and application. He's a cricketer, and we are cricketers as well. We did everything to get him out, but he snatched the game from us. He has worked hard. The world declared that he was out of form, but he proved his class in this big match."

Looking at Pakistan's game, Rizwan openly agreed that his side lacked in each of the most important aspects of the game.

"As far as the match is concerned, we are all disappointed. Losing involves a lot of questions and challenges. But if you analyze the situation as a whole, we can't say there was one big mistake, except maybe in Abrar's bowling, which was the only positive thing in the match. We didn't commit any big mistakes. All three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding – went wrong, and that's why we lost," he said.

With Pakistan now also suffering two straight losses, their title defense prospects have suffered significantly. Their prospects now depend on Bangladesh's outcome. If Bangladesh can manage an upset against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday, Pakistan will then still have hopes of remaining in the fray.