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[Watch] 'Kohli Is A Selfish Player': Mohammad Hafeez Makes Controversial Remarks

Hafeez during a discussion with Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist [x.com]Hafeez during a discussion with Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist [x.com]

Former Pakistan captain and Ex-Director Mohammad Hafeez criticized Virat Kohli for allegedly slowing down to complete his century during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against South Africa.

Kohli, who was on 97 off 115 deliveries with India at 293/5 in the 47th over, took an additional four balls to reach his century in the 48th over. Hafeez labeled this approach as "selfish."


Hafeez Criticizes Kohli’s Approach in WC 2023

Mohammad Hafeez emphasized the importance of playing for the team rather than personal milestones.

"No matter who is batting, your intention and way of playing should always be towards winning the game. But if someone is stopping himself not to play big shots in the 90s, I will never take it."

Despite receiving backlash from fans and former cricketers, including Michael Vaughan, Hafeez stood by his comments during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast with Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist.

Hafeez out that Kohli’s cautious approach in the 90s did not align with playing according to the game situation.

"After 95, if someone is taking five balls to get to his hundred and not thinking of hitting off those 3 or 4 balls, and if the intention gets changed after scoring a 100, why can't I play the same shot on 95?"

He stressed the importance of maintaining the same playing strategy regardless of personal milestones.

"Personal milestones should go away from cricket, they mean nothing if it is not on a winning cause because, in the game of cricket, even one run can matter. If someone can play a shot after scoring a century but cannot play the same shot in the 90s, it doesn't sit right with me as a fan of the game."

Kohli’s century was his 49th in ODIs, equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s tally. His ton helped India reach a massive 326/5, leading to a 243-run victory over South Africa.