Amir calls himself a ‘fan’ of Kohli

Pakistan pacer thanks the Indian skipper for his admiration

LAHORE: The mutual admiration between Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir continues as the latter announced himself as one of the biggest fans of the former on Friday.

Couple of days ago, a video of Indian skipper Virat Kohli surfaced with Bollywood actor Amir Khan where the former was seen praising Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir.

Amir one of the toughest I've faced, reiterates Kohli

“In recent times, where I have played, there is Mohammad Amir of Pakistan. He is one of the top-two bowlers in the world. He is one of the toughest bowlers I have played in my career. You have to be always on your ‘A’ game or he will strike. Outstanding, very good bowler,” Kohli had said.

Amir, while addressing journalists in the National Cricket Academy, Lahore, returned the favour and thanked Kohli for his kind words.

“I am a great fan of the Indian captain,” said Amir. “Virat is one of the toughest batsmen [to get out] in the world. I enjoyed a lot after taking his wicket [in the Champions Trophy].”

He added: “Whenever Virat talks about me, it gives me immense pleasure and I want to thank him for his kind words.”

Amir further said that getting Kohli out early is the first thing on his mind whenever he plays against India. “If any team gets the wicket of Kohli early, that means they’ve dismissed half the Indian team,” he said. “Whenever we meet on the field I try my best to get out as early as possible.”

The left-arm pacer revealed that Kohli has given him more than one bats.

“Virat and me are close friends,” he said. “We have played the U19 World Cup together. Also, I’ve taken bats from him more than three times. Now, when we meet, he gives me a bat without even me requesting one. I want to gift him something too, soon.”

The 25-year-old also wished to play alongside Kohli in a league and wished him great fortunes in his cricketing career. “Maybe, one day, we can play together in any league. If that happens, it will be great. I want to see Virat score more runs and register more records.”

He cricket fans of both countries to support the game of cricket instead of fighting on social media.

Amir is currently recuperating from an injury which ruled him out of the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he has started to bowl in the nets and may be able to join the team for the three T20Is against the Islanders.