He would've played with a broken leg and scored: Shoaib Akhtar hails Virat Kohli

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akthar reckoned Virat Kohli would have played the Indian Premier League final with a broken leg and he still would have scored runs.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akthar in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Shadab Khan

Kohli braved a split webbing on his hand and continued to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore which contested the IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bangalore last night. Asked if Kohli took a big risk, Shoaib shot back: "It was not a big risk. He would play even with a broken leg and would still score runs."

'Kohli challenges himself'
Shoaib had a bit of fun while indulging in a Team Shoaib Akthar vs Team Brett Lee six-a-side contest. Shoaib's side won the match by 12 runs at the Star Sports studio yesterday.

Virat Kohli

"Kohli is so energised to prove things, not to anybody, but to himself. He always challenges himself, always asks the right questions to himself. I think he has a good five to seven years ahead of him and really wish someone like him will cross 100 international hundreds," said Shoaib. Kohli has 36 international tons to his credit.

Meanwhile, Shoaib is optimistic about seeing Pakistani players in the IPL. "It would have been so nice if our people could come out here and enjoy the IPL. It didn't happen for a reason, but I am sure things will settle down and in coming years Pakistanis will play in IPL," said Shoaib.