Asia Cup 2016: Good to see that Mohammad Amir has realised his mistake, says Virat Kohli

New Delhi: Indian team vice-captain Virat Kohli is has said that is is good to see Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir has realised his mistake and is back in the Pakistan team.

The 23-year-old tainted Amir made his return to international cricket after a gap of five years, since his suspension in 2010 for spot-fixing allegations.

“People may feel excited but for players it's the same as any other team. I am happy to see Aamir back, it's good to see that he has realised his mistake, learnt from it and rectified himself," Kohli said.

Amir was banned for five years for his involvement in spot-fixing during the England tour of 2010 and made a comeback this year in the series against New Zealand last month after serving the suspension period.

Kohli went on to add that Amir could have been amongst the top three bowlers in the world, had he not been involved in match-fixing.

"I have always believed that he (Aamir) is a world class bowler and had he been around for the five years that he was banned, he would have certainly been a top three bowlers in the world. He has a lot of talent, has got pace, bounce a very good yorker," he said.

Kohli also said that it takes courage to do what Amir did after working hard and making a return to the side.

"I wish him all the best. He has worked hard to make a comeback and it takes courage to do what he did."

India will play Pakistan on February 27 in the Asia Cup starting from Wednesday.

Kohli said that he doesn't feel anything different playing against arch-rivals Pakistan and that he looks at all oppositions with the same view.

"I don't feel anything different playing Pakistan. It's the same game of cricket. I look at all oppositions with the same view. Matches against Pakistan are certainly competitive,” said Kohli.

Earlier, the left-arm fast bowler was convicted for spot-fixing in a Lord's Test in 2010 and was one of three Pakistan players jailed in November 2011 for his part in a conspiracy to bowl deliberate no-balls against England.

In January last year, Amir was cleared to play domestic cricket in Pakistan.

(With PTI inputs)