ODI World Cup 2023

WATCH: Former Pakistan skipper calls Virat Kohli selfish after his 49th hundred against South Africa in ODI World Cup 2023

In India's recent match against South Africa, India batted first, amassing 326/5 in 50 overs and restricting South Africa to 83 in 27.1 overs, resulting in a 243-run win.

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Sarah Andrew
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Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Team India has demonstrated their dominance throughout the ongoing World Cup 2023, consistently securing one-sided victories. Both the bowlers and batters have excelled. In their recent match against South Africa, India batted first, amassing 326/5 in 50 overs and restricting South Africa to 83 in 27.1 overs, resulting in a 243-run win.

Virat Kohli is currently in spectacular form during the World Cup, notched his 49th ODI century, equaling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most ODI centuries. Kohli's unbeaten 101 off 121 deliveries, featuring 10 fours, was a standout performance.

Despite his brilliant innings, Kohli faced heavy criticism on social media for his approach and former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has echoed similar sentiments. Hafeez described Kohli's innings as "selfish" and drew comparisons with India's captain, Rohit Sharma, who effectively utilized field restrictions and set a solid platform with Shubman Gill for the rest of the team. Rohit made a quick 40 off 24 balls before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada in 5.5 overs.

“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 did not put the team first. 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,” Hafeez said.

Watch the video here: 

Venkatesh Prasad gives a fitting reply to Hafeez

Former India fast bowler and bowling coach, Venkatesh Prasad, issued a resolute response to those who criticized Kohli. In a passionate tweet, the ex-India cricketer stated, "Hearing amusing arguments about Virat Kohli being labelled as selfish and overly focused on personal milestones.

“Yes, Kohli is selfish – selfish enough to pursue the dreams of a billion people, dedicated to achieving excellence even after monumental accomplishments, resolute in setting new standards, and committed to ensuring his team's victory. Yes, Kohli is indeed selfish," Venkatesh Prasad said.

India Virat Kohli Mohammad Hafeez