The India – Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense sports rivalries in the world. Though the two countries are not playing matches frequently due to the ongoing political tensions between the governments, that hasn’t stopped them from showing their camaraderie and praise each other off the field.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who recently appeared in an episode of web-series ‘Breakfast With Champions’, broke the internet because it was the first time that Indian captain came out in public and spoke candidly about so many issues ranging from his affair with Anushka Sharma and his on-field equation with MS Dhoni.

Throughout the interview, the Indian captain shared many funny incidents that happened on and off the field. He also termed Shikhar Dhawan as one of the coolest and funniest guys in the team.

During the episode, he appreciated Shoaib Akhtar and said that he is among the most lethal bowlers ever. In his words, “I have never faced Shoaib Akhtar. But I have seen him in a game in Dambulla against Pakistan. I got out. I couldn’t face him. He looked lethal. When I saw that, I realized what it would feel like after his ball hit the batsmen on the body.”

Later, Kohli also added that Mohammad Irfan is also a very intimidating bowler to face because of his height and the kind of bounce he generates even from some of the flattest wickets in the world. Kohli also shared an incident when Irfan was bowling good length but the ball was bouncing over his head and he could neither cut nor pull.

Kohli applauded Mohammad Irfan and remembered the time when it became difficult for him to face Irfan in a match. This statement from Kohli touched Irfan and in an emotional tweet, he wrote, “What a gentleman @imVkohli is! Great player with a great heart. Prayers for you my friend. Hope that we play more often in grounds. #Respect”

What a gentleman @imVkohli is! Great player with a great heart. Prayers for you my friend. Hope that we play more often in grounds. #Respect https://t.co/ovKWuEM4TL

— Mohammad Irfan (@M_IrfanOfficial) November 6, 2017

Virat Kohli was quick to thank Irfan for his words. 

Thanks 😊

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 6, 2017

Days after the episode was aired, The Rawalpindi Express posted a message for the Delhi cricketer from his Twitter account. “I was better off not bowling at all when #Kohli was batting.Jokes apart, he’s a gr8 batsman & bowling against him wud have been a gr8 contest,” Shoaib tweeted.

I was better off not bowling at all when #Kohli was batting.Jokes apart,he’s a gr8 batsman & bowling agnst him wud have been a gr8 contest. pic.twitter.com/EHL32UpXrU

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 4, 2017

Kohli shares a great bond with the Pakistani cricketers. He had sent a jersey signed by Team India cricketers soon after Shahid Afridi retired from international cricket. It looks great to see that players of the two rival nations actually share a good bond and don’t hesitate in admiring one another.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Slams MS Dhoni Critics At Post-Match Press Conference