Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world, says Mohammad Amir

E-Paper | June 09, 2026

Left arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir in a Twitter question-answer session with fans on Sunday termed Indian skipper Virat Kohli "the best batsman in the world".

Amir was asked by a fan: "Who is the best batsman in the world, according to you?", to which he responded, "Virat Kohli."

Another fan asked him who he thought was the best among New Zealand's Kane Williamson, England's Joe Root, Australia's Steve Smith and India's Virat Kohli. Again, Amir's vote went to Kohli in this category too.

"They are all, but personally Virat Kohli," was his response.

Indian fans were delighted by Amir's admiration for their cricket superstar and showered him with praise, with one Twitter user calling him "a great bowler [and] a great person with sportsman spirit."

"I'm from India, and you have won our hearts," said another Twitter user.

A third said that although Amir is a member of a rival team, one could not help praising his bowling.

Amir's cricket icon, however, will always remain the Sultan of Swing Waseem Akram.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Mohammad Amir: Pakistan's raging phoenix

Pakistan romp to historic win over arch-rivals India in thrilling Champions Trophy final

Smith, Hussey, Gilchrist eulogise outstanding show by Pakistan

Khawaja

Jul 18, 2017 02:34pm

Great gesture by Mohammad Amir but at the same time that also shows that Amir is on the top of the best in the world as he bowled Virat twice in two bowls.

Recommend 0

RTS

Jul 18, 2017 02:37pm

Amir is a great bowler. Can't forget him getting kohli out twice on consecutive balls, and assume kohli will not forget this also.

Recommend 0

Shahab

Jul 18, 2017 02:37pm

I am a Pakistani, but Virat is my hero too, both as a fine cricketer and a superb human being.

Recommend 0

Ben

Jul 18, 2017 02:38pm

As much I hate to admit, as I am a Pakistan fan, there is something about Virat that make me agree with Amir. Virat's passion, youth, and aggression is second to none. But when he bats, than all bets are off. What an incredible performer

Recommend 0

Akhand Bharat

Jul 18, 2017 02:39pm

@Khawaja In one match. How about all other outings when Kohli dominated. Its a contest of bat and ball anyway.

Recommend 0

WASEB

Jul 18, 2017 02:41pm

No doubt..

Recommend 0

Hadi

Jul 18, 2017 02:45pm

Kohli - no doubt is the best, tremendous work ethic and one can see the results. Mohammad Amir is a superstar in his own right, hope he keeps his feet on the ground and inshAllah reach the likes of Wasim Akram

Recommend 0

Sajjads

Jul 18, 2017 02:45pm

Great to see the best bowling in the world praising the best batting in the world.

Recommend 0

ABL

Jul 18, 2017 02:49pm

since long, go back in cricket history between both countries, we have lots of admirations. Someone please narrate the story of Bishen Singh Bedi donating blood in Pakistan for a patient who needed blood. Later, we was appraised by the President of the country. I am sure this is true story.

Recommend 0

Adil306

Jul 18, 2017 02:56pm

Virat the new generation of Sir Viv Richard, takes no pressure at at while batting. Classic Virat Kohli.

Recommend 0

muhammad idrees khan

Jul 18, 2017 03:07pm

This is sportsman's spirit. In game no enemy no friends. Who performs well, he/she is the star of the day. Kohli has this immense quality. He is star in the field and off the field. Mohammad Amir's remarks are commendable for a great player.

Recommend 0

Hassan

Jul 18, 2017 03:18pm

Well no surprises here. Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world.

Recommend 0

yunas khan

Jul 18, 2017 03:18pm

I hope he will get a chance to bowl to AB Devilliers and will wait for his comment once he encounters him.Still think AB is the best in the business amd has a more wide range of shots than Virat.

Recommend 0

mushtaq

Jul 18, 2017 03:41pm

Even if so,a player who knock him(Kohli) down is actually the Best of the Best.In life,Amir must had gone to the bottom like boxer Muhammad Ali and stood back on one's feet,that is,Best of Best.You have taught us life lesson aswell,Mr.Amir

Recommend 0

Ghaznavi

Jul 18, 2017 03:56pm

Amir said only what is true. only truth and honesty can win over hearts and minds of people.It is only weak people that can not be honest and truthful.

Recommend 0

aleem

Jul 18, 2017 04:13pm

@Akhand Bharat No doubt Kohli is the best batsman in the world at this moment in time. We are big rivals but there should not be a bias when looking at individual talent

Recommend 0

Indian

Jul 18, 2017 04:15pm

the biggest compliment Virat ever recived was when Sir vivian Richards said i see myself in Kohli ..nothing can be bigger than that

Recommend 0

Abdulla Hussain

Jul 18, 2017 04:18pm

Mohammed Amir is right, this should be acknowledged, Virat is a consistent performer.

Recommend 0

Syed Shahzad Bukhari

Jul 18, 2017 04:34pm

Virat is X factor to Indian team trumps as a player and captain, great to see his batting and all round captain abilities.

Recommend 0

Nadeem

Jul 18, 2017 04:39pm

No doubt he is a great batsman, and has a long way to go!

Recommend 0

Hamza

Jul 18, 2017 04:42pm

Never forget fellow indians, Virat is loved here because of his humbleness and character. Even if he's bashed he always reply with kindness. Try to be like him and a bit open-minded. Same goes to the people living on this side.

Recommend 0

Shazad

Jul 18, 2017 04:55pm

His own form seems to have dipped a bit since the ICC final. Going for a bit of runs at Essex. I'm sure he'll start firing again soon

Recommend 0

jUNAID

Jul 18, 2017 04:56pm

Waseem Akram= Boss Man.

Recommend 0

A Pakistani

Jul 18, 2017 05:09pm

Virat Kohli is the best Batsman by miles. A complete Batsman, who is a joy to watch. Some of the cricketing shots he plays are just breath taking - only he can play. One of the best batsman Cricketing World has ever seen.

Recommend 0

Anurag Gautam

Jul 18, 2017 05:23pm

Wonder how it would have been if virat have played against the likes of Wasim sir inswing and waquar sir reverse Yorker,morden cricket is all about hitting,no pitches left(not even in England and newzeland) in world cricket where batsmanship can be tested. Sometimes wonder if hitting sixes is only cricket than why not try throwing underarm bowls surely 100 siXes will come in each match,gone are those days when people get thrilled by fast bowlers bouncers,swingers,Yorkers etc on a green top.

Recommend 0

shahzaib

Jul 18, 2017 05:25pm

I am a fan of both kohli anrd De villiars but imo AB has greater range of shots.

Recommend 0

Riz USA

Jul 18, 2017 05:35pm

There is no doubt Virat is the best batsman in the world. He needs to be calm like Dhoni when leading his team in the field. When things are not going well, his facial expression and body language show that he might be under pressure which gives the opponent energy. In time, he will realize it.

Recommend 0

Anupam

Jul 18, 2017 05:44pm

Amir had so much potential before he got embroiled in that scam and stayed out for years. I still cannot forget how insanely he used to swing the ball before his ban. He is still a great bowler in my opinion, and I cannot stop wondering what he could have done without that scam. If only India could produce such quality swingers(not saying that the ones we have are bad, but still).

Recommend 0

aamir cheema

Jul 18, 2017 05:52pm

Jawari and his opinion.....no matter what he says ..Amir will always be remember in history as the bowler and man who threw his carrier for money....his words makes little sense.

Recommend 0

Bilal Raza

Jul 18, 2017 06:02pm

Amir and Kohli share a relationship of mutual respect. Kolhi first gifted him the bat which Amir took from him during practice which was followed by Kohli's praise for Amir as world class bowler with amazing figures had he not been banned. Amir is reciprocating the gesture.

Recommend 0

Rizwan

Jul 18, 2017 07:03pm

@Shahab yeah i agree with u virat is a genius and sober man as well as a good human being

Recommend 0

Bill Gates

Jul 18, 2017 07:09pm

Virat is the BEST Batsman Cricket ever had. His conditioning and his confidence is super. Pakistan in the Final were playing like it is the last game for them and Pak players were playing their own game. There were no instructions from Captain or coach just to play there own game. Plus They had nothing to loose. That mod play a lot. But it was the best game ever. Telling you all the Truth, I was not expecting Pakistan to Win but they played like a there is no tomorrow and with Passion. And when you have Guys hungry to win than that's what happens. If Indian Players would have showed the same than it would have been different story. Zaman was on the roll and Hassan was incredible. Hassan took minimum 3 wickets per game. Highest Wicket taker in Champions Trophy and Man of the Match. That was WOW

Recommend 0

khabboo

Jul 18, 2017 07:29pm

@aamir cheema - Amir will "always be remembered as the bowler and man who throw his career for money". Only because people like you keep saying it. Personally, i've forgotten that. He's served his time, 5 years of punishment, and hopefully now he is a better person for it. People need to leave him alone and let him do what he does best. He played the final with a lot of passion. Especially the way he put his arms up after getting Rohit.

Recommend 0

syed wasim haider

Jul 18, 2017 07:35pm

There is no doubt that Kohli is the best batsman today. Being a Pakistani I would like that Pakistan should win the match and at the same I would like to see Kohli scoring a ton. He is inventor of many shots on very difficult balls. He plays them in unexpected manners which others ca't do. Both the balls from Amir in the finals were really terrific.Any batsman would have the same fate.

Recommend 0

J,Gamble

Jul 18, 2017 07:36pm

It is greatness of Amir and he sounds much matured and professional.

Recommend 0

babar-i-azam

Jul 18, 2017 07:43pm

@Anurag Gautam - Gavasker had better temperament to all the modern batsman of 90s, 2000s of India. Only Dravid comes close to Sunny. For Pak, Javed M had bags of resolve and fight - only matched on occasion by Inzi & Younis....

Recommend 0

babar-i-azam

Jul 18, 2017 07:49pm

@Ben - there's nothing to dislike when admitting a widely held truth! Kohli in terms of modern batsman, tends to have it all, loves a scrap as well....just needs to improve his away batting average in Tests. btw - he sucks as a capt, perhaps with time he will mature and pick his battles, especially when it comes to defending his team over constructive criticism from his coach! Amir also has proven (with Starc), modern batsman's technique isn't challenged regularly enough..

Recommend 0

jUNAID

Jul 18, 2017 08:34pm

@babar-i-azam Junaid Khan also, who is better than both of them. Why is everyone forgotten Amla? He is miles ahead of Kohli. For all those calling Kohli a gentleman, which examples have you seen in him that are gentlemanly? He is immature at best. Up against a decent bowler, he really is average. Cricket is not what it used to be. Two new balls, thicker bats, batting powerplay, flawed DRS and tailored pitches. Enough said.

Recommend 0

BANTEE RAJA BUNDELA

Jul 18, 2017 08:49pm

Amir u r great too

Recommend 0

SARA

Jul 18, 2017 09:04pm

Amir is just an average bowler, and Kholi is just an average batsman.... Reason being these days there are no good pitches and good apbowlers around,, the kind of bowlers Kholi is facing these days were not even allowed to sit on benches in the 90's era... Can some one imagine Amir playing in the presense of Waqar Younis, Shoaib Aktar, Waseem Akram and Aaquib Javed, Mohammad Zahid, and even mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Sami..

Recommend 0

Jose

Jul 18, 2017 09:33pm

Virat is no doubt is the best batmen's and more importantly a very thorough sports-person

Recommend 0

Faisal

Jul 18, 2017 09:45pm

You have to acknowledge the truth. You rarely see a batsman like Virat Kohli.

Recommend 0

Humarine

Jul 18, 2017 10:45pm

Truely,I have to say that after Indian great players I have huge respect for Pak players especially the bowlers and few terrific batsman too and pray either Pak or Ban win the tournament where I Ind is out.

Recommend 0

jUNAID

Jul 18, 2017 10:56pm

@SARA Amir is nothing compared to Mohammad Asif. Nothing. Very well said.

Recommend 0

P Datta

Jul 18, 2017 11:02pm

No doubt, Aamir is the most fierce & versatile bowler in world cricket now. Only a great can applaud a great even if he is from opponent team.

Recommend 0

TEXAN

Jul 18, 2017 11:23pm

Suspect against swing & seam and not in the same league as older generation players. Amir is not at his top but he struggled and gave chances every time he faced him. Can you imagine him playing against Glenn McCrath, Wasim Akram, West Indies Great bowlers... I guess you can say he is the best in the world RIGHT NOW if he is playing in the subcontinent.

Recommend 0

Insomniac

Jul 19, 2017 12:36am

@Khawaja - stupid logic... so if amir is hit two sixes in two balls, would we suddently consider him a bad bowler..?? its a contest between bat and ball, both balls were good and hence deserved wickets.. period.

Recommend 0

AMK US

Jul 19, 2017 02:43am

Great example of when goodness of sports like cricket trounces smallness and division! Pak & India must play home series with each other! Will be great for cricket and region's stability and perception itself!

Recommend 0

Vijay from Atlanta

Jul 19, 2017 07:06am

Absolutley no doubt ... Wasim is best in my generation . He had ability to bowl 6 unique deliveries in an over.

Recommend 0

Farooq Jawed

Jul 19, 2017 07:09am

Virat is in a league by himself. He excels in all formats of the game test, one day and 20/20. It's refreshing to see that a Pakistani player would acknowledge the fact without any political connotations.

Recommend 0

Superior

Jul 19, 2017 07:54am

Hardik Pandya is the best batsman in the world.

Recommend 0

Cricket-one

Jul 19, 2017 08:00am

Kohli is the best ? ICC player ranking does not say that in today's list for test batsman rankings, although he is number one for ODI and T20.

Recommend 0

Ishan

Jul 19, 2017 08:56am

Love from India:)

Recommend 0

AXH

Jul 19, 2017 09:28am

Virat showed immense respect for Amir on more than one occasion and Amir reciprocated. Overall, cricket is the winner. If you keep politics out of the game, you will see and appreciate the respect that players have for each other across the border.

Recommend 0

KHALD SOHAL

Jul 19, 2017 01:21pm

Great statement..

Recommend 0

Syed Naseem Ahmed

Jul 19, 2017 01:57pm

Virak Kohli is a great batsman and we all admire him as number one batasman of the world and no doubt Mohammad Amir is very good bowler . Syed Naseem Ahmed

Recommend 0

Vasan

Jul 19, 2017 03:27pm

Gentlemen's game is Cricket!

Recommend 0

Jul 19, 2017 04:21pm

No doubt agree with Aamir Virat is a run machine top class batsman he will leave Sachin way far behind ......respect from Pakistan

Recommend 0

Indian logic

Jul 19, 2017 04:39pm

as an in Indian fan I agreed kohli is among the best but currently the best batsman is Steven Smith,that guy is a genius.

Recommend 0

Samit

Jul 19, 2017 04:40pm

@SARA if Kohli is an average batsman then I don't know which game of Cricket are you talking about

Recommend 0

Keith

Jul 19, 2017 05:27pm

Yes on current form Virat is the best batsmen and Amir is the best bowler in the world

Recommend 0

Irfan UK

Jul 19, 2017 06:09pm

Look guys as a Pakistani I can tell all you all my Indian brothers and friends that we in Pakistan love cricket and love and admire Virat, Harbajhan bahi, Yuvraj, Dravid, Gavaskar, Ganguly and many more of your players because they really are very good and we don't have media in Pakistan that is bashing India all the time so we can love these big stars. I wish the media in India was a little more normal and then you guys could see the real Pakistan. Pakistan won the Champions but India was in the finals too unfortunately they did not perform on the day but that's cricket I just wish we could all celebrate at the same time. V. Kohli won our hearts too after losing he accepted it like a man and did not cry about it so in my eyes I respect him more so well done Kohli my hero and keep going strong we all love you. Well done Amir too for your performance on and off the field.

Recommend 0

p.n.b.nair

Jul 19, 2017 06:37pm

Actually our media make INDIA vs PAKISTAN a too much big issue than politician..What is wrong in being an Indian...I like a Pakistani..In my college days when TV was not there...in 1980,s I used to wake up at 3 am..and lesion to BBC commentary...Pak vs England...IMRAN was my favorite...My support was for PAKISTAN..Now I pity the pathetic state of such a great Cricket team...Though it beat India and won champion's trophy..still a long way to go...plenty of talent there in Pakistan..but the youths are being misguided..

Recommend 0

Lakhkar Khan

Jul 19, 2017 07:24pm

NOt sure about best batsman but Virat is a classy and gracious for sure.

Recommend 0

Mrityunjay Tripathi

Jul 20, 2017 12:20am

His words reveal what a great sportsman he is. This is a well-known fact that most of the Indian subcontinent cricket players maintain great personal relationship outside the field. Political boundaries don't matter much then.

Recommend 0

shubs

Jul 20, 2017 12:58am

@Khawaja "Amir is on the top of the best in the world as he bowled Virat twice in two bowls." At one point, Harbhajan Singh got Ponting out five times in a row. That didn't make him the best bowler in the world. Ponting's records still speak for themselves. Consistency is the name of the game, brother. Amir has a long long long way to go.

Recommend 0

Pragmatist

Jul 20, 2017 02:14am

Getting Virat out two times on consecutive two balls is highlight of his career. Although I am an Indian, I admired Amir's bowling on that fateful day. He was fierce and deadly accurate.

Recommend 0

karur

Jul 20, 2017 02:50am

It is a treat to watch Mohd Amir bowl and the world missed him. He is a worthy cricketer because he has shown real class by praising Kohli

Recommend 0

Vivek

Jul 20, 2017 08:20am

some years back as an 18 year old I remember how Aamir tormented ricky ponting during the test series.it was classic test cricket. he would have singularly won the series for pakistan had it not been to the multiple dropped catches by the akmal brothers.

Recommend 0

Asim

Jul 20, 2017 08:34am

Amir is right, Kohli no doubt is the best batsman in the world. I have been following cricket for almost 40 years and I have not seen better times of strokes than Kohli...Even as team Pakistan fan I love watching Kohli playing classic shots without too much effort.

Recommend 0

Vishal

Jul 20, 2017 08:42am

Well, he is. Don't think there's much doubt or debate.

Recommend 0

Shirish

Jul 20, 2017 09:10am

Infact Amir is best bowler in the world as of now. Infact big fan of amir and sarfaraj after CLT. Sarfaraj seems to be good human. My best wishes !

Recommend 0

Khubaib Usmani

Jul 20, 2017 12:48pm

`Virat Kohli beyond doubt (Iam from Pakistan)

Recommend 0

Shyam

Jul 20, 2017 01:44pm

Aamir is the best bowler of the world too. Great sportsman. We are proud of you.

Recommend 0

Jul 20, 2017 02:12pm

Yes Kohli is...but his Arrogance will pull him down sooner or later...he will never b able to surpass Sachin...A real gentleman with class...kohli has talent but his Arrogance duhhhhh...

Recommend 0

common & immaterial

Jul 20, 2017 03:21pm

though I'm indian but yet I would beg to differ sir, Joe root has not match & presently best of the lot followed by smith. Virat can't precede these two for sure

Recommend 0

Kashif abbas

Jul 20, 2017 11:46pm

I am pakistani, kohli is great player and committed personage.

Recommend 0

RANJIT

Jul 21, 2017 05:17pm

@SARA sure Sara call Kohli 'average" h who cares and who believes that ?

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 21, 2017 05:20pm

Sometimes people get carried-away with passions, fixation, compassion, emotions, infatuation and obsession. This statement is a perfect example of it.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

OGDC’s strategic drive for sustainable growth and responsible value creation

OGDC has launched a comprehensive and focused production optimisation initiative aimed at reversing natural declines in mature fields and unlocking additional hydrocarbon output.