'Yes, Kohli is selfish': Venkatesh Prasad slams Mohammad Hafeez for his remark

NEW DELHI: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad launched an all-out attack on former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez for his comments regarding Virat Kohli's intent to reach his century in the World Cup match against South Africa on Sunday.

Hafeez said Kohli became selfish when he was close to his record-equalling 49th ODI hundred and was looking for singles instead of hitting boundaries in the 49th over in a bid to achieve the milestone.



Reacting to Hafeez's remarks, Prasad said Kohli is selfish in his dedication to fulfilling the dreams of a billion fans, selfish in his relentless pursuit of excellence even after accomplishing so much.

"Hearing funny arguments about Virat Kohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestone. Yes Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks, selfish enough to ensure his team wins. Yes, Kohli is selfish," Prasad wrote on X.


"I saw sense of selfishness in Virat Kohli's batting and this happened for the third time in this World Cup. In the 49th over, he was looking to take a single to reach his own hundred and he didn't put the team first," Hafeez said on a cricket show 'Top Cricket Analysis'.


"I am not saying Virat didn't play well. He batted beautifully till he reached 97. The last three singles he took, I am talking about the intent. He was looking for singles instead of hitting boundaries. Who cares if he gets out on 97 or 99. Team should always be above personal milestone," he added.



Hafeez also drew a comparison between Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasizing that the Indian captain consistently prioritizes his team's success over personal accomplishments.

"Rohit Sharma could have played selfish cricket too, but he didn't because he is playing for Team India and not for himself. You have to give credit to Rohit Sharma. The way he is sacrificing his innings with right intent is commendable. The way he batted in the first six overs. He gave that sucker punch to South Africa. He knew pitch will get difficult and must attack when the ball is new and hard. Your captain can also play like you but his goal is bigger than his personal achievement. Rohit can also hit centuries."