Mohammad Amir: 'Superstar' Virat Kohli's praise made my day

Amir said it was kind of Kohli to speak so generously.

New Delhi: Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir's return to international cricket has been rocky.

While he wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms by teammates, the pacer found great support from the international cricket community.

First Brendon McCullum and then India's Virat Kohli publicly backed the left-armer's return to the game after a gap of five years.

Kohli and Amir were part of a high-quality duel in the Asia Cup on Saturday during India's five-wicket win over Pakistan.

Amir's fiery spell prompted Kohli to praise him during and after the match.

Reacting to India vice-captain's words, Amir said it was kind of him to speak so generously.

“Kohli’s praise made my day. It was generous of him what he said for me. It’s the sort of encouragement that you need and when it comes from a super star like Virat, it means a lot. On the other hand, it’s a big challenge for me as well because it adds to my responsibility to prove that I am worth that praise. Even before the match, he used some good words for me. It was very kind of him,” Amir told Mumbai Mirror.

He also praised Kohli for guiding India to a win with a 49-run knock under intense pressure.

“He read the situation well and scored runs gradually and didn't panic at all. Virat is a very good player and his words will help me do better and better. It was great to bowl at him and he once again proved that he is a world class player; ordinary player would have succumbed to that pressure but not Virat,” Amir further added.