The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense in the world. Fans love the excitement of these matches, whether in the World Cup or the Asia Cup. At the center of this rivalry is Virat Kohli, known as India’s chase king. He shines under pressure. On the other side is Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s talented leg-spinner. Their matchups are highly awaited, with everyone curious about who will win. Can Kohli win with his skill or Shadab with his spin? After the game, they may share smiles, but the real focus is on their battle on the field and how it affects fantasy teams and betting choices. Let’s break it down, stat by stat.
Head-to-Head Stats: Kohli vs Shadab
Before we dive into tactics, here’s a snapshot of their direct duels in white-ball cricket:
| Format | Matches | Balls Faced | Runs | SR | Dismissals |
| T20I | 4 | 18 | 24 | 133.3 | 1 |
| ODI | 6 | 29 | 43 | 148.2 | 1 |
| Total | 10 | 47 | 67 | 142.5 | 2 |
Key Observations:
Kohli’s strike rate is strong (142.5 overall), suggesting he does not struggle against Shadab. He plays mostly risk-free cricket against Shadab early in the innings. Only two dismissals in 47 balls show Kohli does not give his wicket away easily. Despite his aggressive intent, he tends to rotate strike early, especially when Shadab comes on during the middle overs. Virat Kohli is a master in batting, and he can handle all bowlers, including Shadab.
Fantasy Insight: These stats indicate that Shadab rarely wins this matchup. Kohli often looks to play him out and attack others.
Tactical Matchup Analysis
How Kohli Plays Leg-Spin
Virat Kohli is known as one of the best players against spin bowling, especially leg spin. His ability to handle leg-spinners is impressive, as he maintains a high average across all formats. A key factor in his success is his strong wrists, which allow him to play balls that turn into him with ease. Kohli also uses quick footwork to either get to the pitch of the ball or to stay deep in the crease. This adaptability helps him navigate tricky deliveries effectively.
Kohli rarely goes for big shots against spinners early in his innings. Instead, he focuses on nudging the ball for singles, which keeps the scoreboard ticking. By doing this, he patiently waits for loose deliveries that he can attack. This strategy not only helps him build his innings but also puts pressure on the bowlers. Overall, Kohli’s technique and approach to playing leg-spin make him a formidable opponent on the cricket field.
Stats vs Leg-Spinners in T20Is (Last 5 Years):
Average: 39.2
Strike Rate: 137
Dismissals: 6 in 149 balls
This data shows that leg spin does not trouble Kohli much, and he does not get out often.
How Shadab Is Used Against Kohli
Shadab is not always introduced immediately when Kohli walks in. Pakistan tends to use him strategically, mostly in the middle overs, where he is used to break momentum or contain runs.
Let’s look at some patterns:
In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Shadab was held back until Kohli was settled. In Asia Cup matches, Pakistan used Shadab once the Hardik/Kohli partnerships got going, hoping he’d get a breakthrough. But despite these tactical moves, Shadab has not dominated this duel.
He tends to:
- Bowl flatter deliveries to avoid getting driven.
- Use his googly sparingly against Kohli. Target pads and stumps, hoping for a mistake. However, Kohli often negotiates this phase with ease, even on turning pitches.
Betting Insight: Shadab has not been a banker wicket against Kohli. Do not rely on this matchup for consistent returns.
Fantasy & Betting Impact
Should You Pick Kohli Against Shadab?
Kohli is almost always a high-ownership pick in India vs Pakistan matches. Fantasy managers love him in chase scenarios, where his average skyrockets (over 75 in T20I chases). Against Shadab specifically, Kohli plays with caution, rarely attacking recklessly. If Shadab bowls early, Kohli might take his time, meaning slow starts. But once set, Kohli’s scoring pace increases rapidly, especially against pacers.
Fantasy Tip:
In a batting-friendly venue, Kohli is a must-pick even against Shadab. His ability to absorb pressure and accelerate later makes him a safe C/VC option, especially when chasing. In the first innings, he’s slightly riskier, especially if Pakistan’s pacers get early wickets.
Pick Kohli When:
India is chasing. The pitch is flat or true. Pakistan’s spinners are likely to bowl in middle overs, where Kohli thrives.
Should You Bet on Shadab Getting Kohli Out?
This is where risk meets hope. Shadab has dismissed Kohli twice across 47 balls in limited-overs cricket. That’s a strike rate of 23.5 balls per dismissal, which is average for a leg-spinner. His wicket of Kohli in the Asia Cup 2022 came when Kohli was looking to accelerate after being set. But these are rare events.
Shadab’s economy vs Kohli is moderate, and most of his overs end without causing damage. So, if you are placing a bet on this duel, Avoid betting on Shadab to dismiss Kohli unless:
The pitch is turning. Kohli is batting first and is forced to take risks. Pakistan’s bowling strategy forces Kohli to attack spin early. Instead, use Shadab as a fantasy differential if:
- You expect India to play recklessly.
- You believe wickets will fall in the middle overs.
- You are trying to catch up in points or take a bold call.
Betting Tip
Kohli’s dismissal by Shadab is not a banker bet. Better value lies in betting on Kohli to score 30+ or for Shadab to take a wicket (any batter).
India vs Pakistan: Big Match Pressure Factor
Pressure defines this rivalry and this matchup.
Kohli in Big Games:
- 2022 T20 World Cup vs Pakistan: 82* off 53 balls. One of the greatest chases in T20I history.
- 2023 Asia Cup: Unbeaten century against Pakistan in a rain-marred Super Four match.
Average in IND vs PAK ICC Tournaments: Over 65
Kohli does not just show up. He takes control. He relishes these nights. Big stadiums, loud fans, and legacy on the line. That’s his fuel.
Shadab Under Pressure:
In that same T20 WC 2022 game, Shadab’s figures were 4-0-34-1. Decent but not game-changing. In Asia Cup 2023, he conceded over six runs an over, with limited success against Kohli. Shadab’s economy rate in IND vs PAK games is higher than his career average, showing he tends to leak runs under pressure.
Kohli performs better under pressure. Shadab tends to go defensive, especially when under attack. This tilt in mental strength matters in high-stakes games.
Friendly Rivalry
Kohli and Shadab are respected peers. They are often seen:
- Laughing after matches
- Exchanging friendly nods
- Showing mutual respect on social media
- Fans love this camaraderie. It brings a lighter side to an intense rivalry.
- But when the first ball is bowled, all of that vanishes.
The real question is: Can Shadab get Kohli out when it matters?
Final Verdict: Fantasy & Betting Takeaways
The best way to use this matchup is not to simply ask, “Kohli or Shadab?” Instead, ask: “Who’s better for this match scenario?” Let’s break it down by conditions, pitch, and innings role.
Scenario Table: Quick Fantasy & Betting Guide
| Scenario | Pick Kohli? | Pick Shadab? |
| Flat pitch | ✅ Strong pick | ❌ Less impact |
| Spin-friendly pitch | ✅ Still safe | ✅ Worth a differential punt |
| India batting 1st | ⚠️ Riskier pick | ✅ More value in early overs |
| India chasing | ✅ Almost always | ⚠️ Kohli might attack him late |
When to Back Kohli
Kohli is the safer fantasy pick in almost any condition. Even if he does not take Shadab on, he is consistent in building innings. Use him as captain in chases, especially when India bats second on a good pitch. The venue is known for settled conditions in the second innings (e.g., MCG, Colombo, Ahmedabad). Kohli’s recent record against Pakistan, 82 (2022 WC), 122 (2023 Asia Cup) suggests his form in crunch games is peaking, not fading.
When to Back Shadab
Use Shadab when:
The pitch offers turn or bounce. Pakistan is defending a modest total and needs middle-over breakthroughs. You need a differential in fantasy, someone others might overlook.
Example:
- In low-scoring matches (like Sharjah or Chennai), if Shadab bowls early, he could force a mistake from a proactive Kohli.
- In Dream11 or other fantasy leagues, he’s useful:
- Vice-captain pick in spin-friendly games.
- Wildcard when you are behind in the standings
Conclusion: Matchup Mindset, Not Mythology
The Shadab Khan vs Virat Kohli matchup is one of the most analyzed in Indo-Pak cricket. But the truth is simple:
This is not about deciding who’s better overall. It is about who performs better in certain match situations. Kohli has the stats, current form, and mindset to outplay Shadab most of the time. While Shadab has the talent, he has not consistently figured out how to handle Kohli. For fantasy cricket players, Kohli should be your main pick, while Shadab can be a valuable addition if the pitch favors spin or if India bats first under pressure. For those betting on the game, it is best to avoid letting emotions influence your wagers. Do not bet big on Shadab dismissing Kohli unless you see:
1. Tactical clues from the captain
2. Pitch that favors spin Or Kohli forced to take risks early
Quick Recap:
Head-to-head: Kohli dominates with a 142.5 strike rate and two dismissals in 47 balls.
Tactics: Kohli plays leg-spin well. Shadab has not unsettled him consistently.
Fantasy: Kohli = reliable. Shadab = differential.
Betting: It is safer to bet on Kohli runs than Shadab wickets in this matchup.
Big games: Kohli thrives. Shadab contains but rarely conquers.
Cricket is all about matchups, and the rivalry between Virat Kohli and Shadab Khan is really interesting. Kohli has done well against Shadab in the past, but fans of Shadab still have hope because one good ball can change everything in a game. If you are picking a Dream11 team or placing bets, it is important to know how the pitch is playing and the pressure of the match. Instead of just focusing on the headlines, pay attention to how the game unfolds, as both players have their strengths that can impact the outcome.