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I respect him, but I don’t fear him: Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah eager for Virat Kohli challenge

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com | Edited by Yash Bhati
Jun 01, 2020 11:46 AM IST

Among the duels Shah is eagerly awaiting is the match-up against Indian captain Virat Kohli. India-Pakistan are generally high-octane with a lot of emotions around the stadium. Shah has maintained that although he respects Kohli, he doesn’t fear him.

Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the best batsman in the world. Which is why Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah is eager to face the India captain. On 10th February 2020, the Pakistan teenager created a world record, when he took a hat-trick against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, becoming the youngest bowler to do so trick in Test cricket at the age of 16 years and 359 days. And now, it seems the Pakistan youngster is waiting to face bigger challenges early in his career.

File image of Virat Kohli and Naseem Shah.(AP/PTI/HT Collage)
File image of Virat Kohli and Naseem Shah.(AP/PTI/HT Collage)

In a recent interview with PakPassion.net, Shah talked about his career and said he is eagerly awaiting a contest against the Indian captain Virat Kohli. India-Pakistan are generally high-octane with a lot of emotions around the stadium. Shah has maintained that although he respects Kohli, he doesn’t fear him.

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“Yes definitely. India versus Pakistan is always special and I have already been told that players can become heroes and villains in those matches,” Shah said.

“They are special matches as they happen so rarely and yes, I am looking forward to playing against India whenever that opportunity arises.”

“I hope that I can bowl well against India when that chance comes by and won’t let our fans down. As for Virat Kohli, I respect him but don’t fear him.”

“It’s always a challenge to bowl to the best, but that’s where you have to raise your game. I look forward to playing against Virat Kohli and India whenever that chance comes,” he added.

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Shah, overall, is the fourth Pakistan bowler to achieve a hat-trick, after Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq, and Wasim Akram, who had achieved the feat twice in his legendary career.

Naseem had burst onto the scene on Pakistan’s Australia tour last year and also became the youngest fast bowler and second bowler overall to take five wickets in a Test inning. He achieved that feat at the age of 16 years and 307 days against Sri Lanka in Karachi last year

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