Pakistan

Unfair to compare me with Kohli, says Umar Akmal

Wicketkeeper-batsman says he wants to bat higher up the order to improve batting performance

Web Desk March 13, 2015

Wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal. PHOTO: AFP

Wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal has said it is unfair to compare him with Virat Kohli as both bat at different positions, the Press Trust of India has reported.

“It is always my effort to deliver 100% for the team and Pakistan, but I know people compare me to Virat Kohli, which is not right because he bats higher up the order,” Akmal told journalists in Adelaide on March 12.

“I should not be compared to Kohli because if he came in to bat at six or seven and performed, then I would understand and accept the comparisons. If I get a chance to bat higher up I believe I can perform better than what I do and get big innings,” Akmal added.

He pointed out that he mostly comes to bat at number five, six or seven.

When asked if he had brought this up with the team management, Akmal shrugged off the question adding: “They have not watched me bat at number three in domestic first-class cricket; that is where I bat most of the time. I can only say they will soon trust me and allow me to bat higher up the order where I feel more comfortable.”

‘Not complaining’

However, Akmal said he was not complaining because he was ready to deliver 100% at any position.

“Even now, I am working hard with my coaches to get this knack of converting good starts into big scores. I know I can do that but sometimes the situations I come into bat I don't have time to play long innings,” Akmal added.

COMMENTS (9)

leena | 9 years ago | Reply making excuses has been the perfect way out for our politicians and cricketers. No one is comparing you to Virat Kohli, Mr.Akmal. The poor guy would die of sorrow to be compared with you. Learn to play better instead of making lame excuses.

Mirza | 9 years ago | Reply “I should not be compared to Kohli because" he scores and I do not. Even at lower order how many times has Akmal grafted himself and came back not out? Misbah has been not out in most of his one day innings when he scored more than 50 runs. That is why there has been a demand that he should bat at 3 or 4. Give us a few responsible innings and then make excuses. Afridi has opened the innings but has been relegated to just before bowlers because he has not been a responsible and consistent to be at higher number. Akmal has been no better.

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usama | 9 years ago | Reply Honestly, reading through the comments left me disappointed. As Pakistanis it is our responsibility to support our national team at all cost. We shouldn't be degrade our players but we should criticize those who are responsible for any shortcoming in our team.

Pro | 9 years ago | Reply Most of our cricketers should better be compared with dancers, comedians, showbiz celebrities and actors.

Saif | 9 years ago | Reply Who compares him with Kohli .it is Ahmed Shehzad who is compared with Kohli ..that too coz he has the talent though he hasnt delivered so far but can improve !

Asad Shairani | 9 years ago | Reply Unfair to Kohli, sure!

Feroz | 9 years ago | Reply If Umar Akmal is coming to bat at No 6 or 7 he should be compared with Dhoni, who has a higher average of 51 and ability to finish matches. I hope he has a girl friend like Anoushka Sharma to compensate.

Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply seriously. look at virat kohil records and than look at yours. It is unfair. But its unfair to Virat Kohali and not to you.

Adnan Siddiqi | 9 years ago | Reply Quit flattering yourself boy. No sane person will ever compare with you Kohli. That's a figment of your own lousy and limited imagination. You ought to thank your "Parchi" that has allowed you to be in the team for 6 years now without making didly contribution.

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