Mohammad Amir reveals the tactics against Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during 2017 Champions Trophy final
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Mohammad Amir vs Virat Kohli
Former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir recalled the famous 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against India. The 28-year bowled a memorable spell of 6-2-16-3 to rip apart the opposition’s top-order batsmen. He claimed the wickets of India’s top three players, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli.
Amir, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, revealed the tactics he used to get out Sharma and Kohli. He said Rohit faces difficulty while playing the in-swinging deliveries. Consequently, Amir used this as a trap to claim the wicket of the Indian opener on the third ball of the match.
“When I held the ball, the first thought that came to my mind was how enjoyable it would be if I can get these three batsmen out that day. I was thinking about that while going back to my run-up,” Amir said.
“I knew Sharma struggles against in-swing. So, my plan was that I would not bring in the first two balls. I will make him feel that the ball is not swinging and will take the ball away with the angle. If you see the first two balls, I just took them away with the angle. The third ball I brought it in. So, that was the plan which worked.”
‘If Kohli stood, he would have finished the match’
Mohammad Amir claimed the wicket of Virat Kohli after the latter faced just nine balls during the match. The former cricketer stated that he kept Kohli guessing the line of the ball before he finally edged it. Kohli scored five runs before Shadab Khan completed a commendable catch.
“Kohli came, and when his catch was dropped, I remembered about Fakhar because he had got out to a no-ball and then scored a century. And I had not seen such a batting wicket at the Oval. So, while going to my run-up I was thinking that if Kohli stands there now, he will finish the match in 40-45 overs,” recalled Amir.
“When Kohli came to bat, I bowled him an in-swinger first, and he was beaten. After that I had decided, I will not bring the ball into him. Let him keep thinking that I will bring the ball in. The first one went to slip as it went out with the angle. The second one also I thought I would bowl him the same but a little up and let him drive and wanted to take a chance for a slip catch.
“But Virat Kohli was already looking to play me towards the on-side. His body had already turned towards the on-side. But my ball was going away with the angle, and I am thankful Shadab took a brilliant catch as it was a tough one,” he added.
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Sachin Arora
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