‘Need to look at their class and legacy’ – Fakhar Zaman lends support to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amidst bad run of form

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has come out in support of veteran Indian duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their dismal batting show in Australia. Both batters have come under massive criticism from all corners. Both Rohit and Virat are yet again set to be under focus ahead of the massive ICC Champions Trophy tournament. 

Fakhar Zaman, who is playing the ILT20 tournament for the Desert Vipers, while speaking to the media, said, “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have played so much cricket that you always see them as match-winners. They have done it so often in the past.”

Pakistani batter also said, “You cannot stop viewing them as match-winners because they are out of form. You need to look at their class and legacy. Form is temporary. Class is permanent. People are highlighting it just too much; the same is the case with Babar Azam when he does not perform in 1-2 matches.”

The left-handed batter was the match winner for Pakistan during the last Champions Trophy in 2017. Fakhar scored a century to help Pakistan beat India by a massive margin and win the title. The 34-year-old has been sidelined after PCB took objection to his tweet in support of Babar Azam after the latter was axed from the Test side against England last year. 

Fakhar Zaman praises Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah 

34-year-old batter Fakhar Zaman, during his chat with the media on the sidelines of the ILT20, heaped huge praise on Jasprit Bumrah. The 31-year-old is a doubtful starter for India in the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament due to reported swelling on his back. Fakhar Zaman, while speaking about Bumrah, said, “Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler. We are not preparing for just one bowler. There are 11 players. We need to prepare for everyone." 

Veteran Pakistani opener also added, “As far as I am concerned, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli are some players who have made their team win in the past, and they are the players who have the ability to make the team win in any situation.”

When asked to comment about his memories of the 2017 tournament, Zaman said, “It has been a long while, and I have discussed the knock quite a few times. Good memories are associated with my knock in the Champions Trophy final against India in 2017. If you make your team win, it is extra special. Before that win, the morale of our team was low. The entire tournament is memorable for me. India played really well in that tournament. We had our day in the final.”