'I want him to retire....' - Pakistan legend's bold advice for Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli against Pakistan (Source: AP)

Former Pakistan star Shoaib Akhtar has urged Indian maverick Virat Kohli to retire from the shortest format of the game. 

Kohli has been a key player for Team India across formats and his performance against Pakistan showed how important he is to India's hopes in the T20 World Cup 2022. 

That said, he is no spring-chicken and at 33, Kohli might need to choose between formats to stay well-rested between important games. Previously, players like James Anderson have followed a similar strategy and Ben Stokes has also recently chosen to prioritise formats in order to cope with the rigorous schedule of international cricket. 

In order to prolong his career, the Indian maestro might need to take a big decision soon. However, he is one of the fittest players around and it is fair to assume that Kohli will stick around for now. 

He will be crucial to India's hopes of winning the World Cup in Australia. The 33-year-old scored an unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in the World Cup opener and he will be looking to continue in his rich vein of form against the Netherlands tomorrow.

India will be one of the favourites to win the marquee event this year. 

Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel: 

“According to me, he played the greatest innings of his life against Pakistan. He played like this because he had the self-belief that he will do it.

“He is back with a bang. I want him to retire from T20I because I don’t want that he puts his entire energy into T20I cricket. With similar commitment like today, he can score three centuries in ODIs."

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