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Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has ignited a controversy by accusing Indian cricket star Virat Kohli of selfishness during one of his innings in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Hafeez criticized Kohli for allegedly prioritizing personal milestones over the team's success in a crucial match against South Africa.
Virat Kohli, India's best batter in the tournament, was the leading run-scorer, amassing 765 runs, including three centuries and six fifties. His exceptional performance played a key role in India’s 10-match unbeaten streak until their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the final. Despite this, Hafeez's comments have cast a shadow over Kohli's achievements.
'Took A Lot Of Balls To Get To His 100': Mohammad Hafeez Accuses Virat Kohli Of Being Selfish In 2023 WC Game vs South Africa; Video#MohammadHafeez #ViratKohli #TeamIndiahttps://t.co/fiLGKTKdEl
— Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) June 20, 2024
During the World Cup, Kohli scored an unbeaten 101 off 121 balls against South Africa, helping India post a formidable total of 326/5. India's bowlers then bowled out South Africa for a mere 83 runs. However, Hafeez alleged that Kohli's approach in the 49th over was self-centered, aiming more for his century than the team's benefit. This century tied Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds.
Hafeez stated on the cricket show "Top Cricket Analysis," “I saw a sense of selfishness in Virat Kohli’s batting. In the 49th over, he was more focused on taking a single to reach his hundred rather than putting the team first.”
Hafeez reiterated his views on the Club Prairie Fire podcast during a conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist. Despite Vaughan's strong reaction to Hafeez's initial comments, Hafeez stood firm, emphasizing the importance of team success over personal milestones.
Virat Kohli's 49th ODI century in the 2023 World Cup sparks heated debate as former Pakistan batter Mohammad Hafeez accuses Kohli of selfishness. The cricket world divided on personal milestones vs. team success. #ViratKohli #ODIWorldCup #Cricket #WorldCuphttps://t.co/DMggLmMZfA
— The Reportify (@TheReportify) November 6, 2023
“I was right that time. If you see the whole context... to me, no matter who is playing, your intention should always be to win the game,” Hafeez said. He added, “If someone stops himself from playing big shots in the 90s, I will never take it. After 95, if someone is taking five balls to get to his hundred, and if his intention changes after the hundred... why couldn't he play the same shot when he was on 95 or 92?”
Hafeez argued that Kohli's intent should have remained focused on maximizing the team's score rather than securing his century. He criticized the emphasis on personal milestones in cricket, suggesting that such goals can detract from the overall team effort.
“In that game, Virat took a lot of balls to get to his hundred. He wasn't playing big shots. And I'm very clear. If you go through his century once again, you will realize what I was saying. Personal milestones should go away from the game. Your fifty, hundred, five wickets... we don't want that as a fan of cricket. We don't want that if it doesn't come in a winning cause. Even one run can matter,” Hafeez concluded.
ವಿರಾಟ್ ತಂಡಕ್ಕಿಂತ ತನ್ನ ಸ್ವಾರ್ಥಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕ್ರಿಕೆಟ್ ಆಡುತ್ತಾರೆ; ಕೊಹ್ಲಿ ಕುರಿತು ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ನಾಲಿಗೆ ಹರಿಬಿಟ್ಟ ಪಾಕ್ ಮಾಜಿ ಆಟಗಾರ#viratkohli #mohammadhafeez #ODIWorldCup #viralnews #SportsNews #Vijayavani #VijayavaniNewshttps://t.co/2EXivrUL77
— Vijayavani Digital (@Vijayavani_Digi) June 20, 2024
Despite Hafeez's criticism, Virat Kohli’s record in the 2023 ODI World Cup remains remarkable. As the highest run-scorer of the tournament, his contributions were pivotal in India's journey to the final. Nevertheless, Hafeez’s comments have sparked a debate on the balance between personal achievements and team success in cricket.
Virat Kohli, known for his fierce competitiveness and batting prowess, has yet to respond to Hafeez's allegations. As fans and analysts continue to discuss the merits of Hafeez’s claims, the debate underscores the complexities and pressures faced by top athletes in achieving both personal and team goals.
