When a 16-year-old steamed in at Brisbane against the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith, many thought Pakistan have produced another great fast bowler. Naseem Shah gained strides quickly claiming a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick. While the world has already witnessed a nervy duel between the youngster and Steve Smith, the fans are yet to see a battle with Naseem Shah and Virat Kohli. The young bowler; however, has taken the first shot saying although he respects the Indian skipper but doesn’t fear him.
Since his much-debated debut against Australia, Naseem has come up the ranks quickly. He picked up a five-wicket haul in the Karachi Test against Sri Lanka to steer his side to the triumph. The youngster also started his 2020 with a bang as he became the youngest player to pick an international hat-trick. He achieved that feat against Bangladesh.
I don’t fear Virat Kohli: Naseem Shah
As the world eagerly waits for a duel between Virat Kohli and Naseem Shah, the Pakistani speedster is also looking forward to the challenge. He said that it is always good to bowl against the best in the business and I am waiting for it.
“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,” Naseem said to PakPassion.
Meanwhile, India and Pakistan, over the years, have produced some nail-biting encounter. These matches have made careers of many cricketers providing them with confidence and fame. Naseem Shah also opined on the same stating India-Pakistan games are always special as a player can emerge as a hero or a villain in those fixtures.
“Yes definitely. India versus Pakistan is always special and I have already been told that players can become heroes and villains in those matches. 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,” Naseem concluded.