Virat Kohli continues to win new fans every day. After yet another match-winning knock against South Africa at Mohali on Wednesday, the Indian national cricket team captain forced legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi to come online and admit his admiration for a "great player".
Kohli played a brilliant knock of 72 runs from 52 balls to help India beat South Africa by seven wickets with six balls to spare in the second Twenty20 International. The 30-year-old subsequently won his 11th man of the match award in T20Is, thus equalling Afridi's feat. Only Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan has won more MoM awards, 12.
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Hailing Kohli's performance, Afridi retweeted an International Cricket Council (ICC) post which detailed Kohli's 50+ averages in all three formats of the game. And wrote: "Congratulations @imVkohli You are a great player indeed, wish you continued success, keep entertaining cricket fans all around the world."
During his 52-ball knock, Kohli played some sublime shots, including this unbelievable flick for a six.
For the record, Kohli is the only batsman currently to average more than 50 in all three formats. After Wednesday's match, his figures were: 53.14 in Tests, 60.31 in ODIs and 50.85 in T20Is.
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Kohli also became the batsman with most runs in T20Is, overtaking Rohit Sharma.
Meanwhile, Afridi, who was once known for his flambouyance, is seemingly busy launching a political career. To the majority of Indian fans, he is now former opener Gautam Gambhir's rival in the virtual world.
