Unfair to compare me with Kohli, says Umar Akmal
Wicketkeeper-batsman says he wants to bat higher up the order to improve batting performance
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.
“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.