Ahead of an India vs Pakistan match, Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam become a trending topic. Both batters are frequently compared as they are modern-day greats and the top batters of their respective countries currently. However, Virat Kohli has had a more illustrious career than Babar Azam, both statistically and in terms of global recognition.
Danish Kaneria remarked that Babar Azam can’t even be compared to Virat Kohli’s shoes
In terms of fan-following as well, Virat leaves Babar Azam far behind. Meanwhile, when asked about the Kohli-Babar debate ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Pakistan, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria made a scathing comment about his countryman Babar Azam.
Kaneria said Babar is nowhere near Virat Kohli and gets headlines just because of his comparisons to Virat. “As soon as Babar Azam scores a hundred, the next day you’ll see comparisons with Virat Kohli. Virat ke jute ke barabar bhi nahi hai (He is not even equal to Virat’s shoes),” said Danish Kaneria.
IANS Exclusive
"Pakistan cricket team is a joke, not serious about T20 World Cup, just holidaying in US with family, Babar Azam stands nowhere near Virat Kohli…Virat k jute k barabar bhi nahi hai," former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria told IANS ahead of India-Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/Wi5eS0TKqQ
— IANS (@ians_india) June 9, 2024
Kaneria also criticized Babar Azam for playing a slow innings against the less experienced team USA. Babar Azam had scored 44 runs in 43 balls with a strike rate of just above 100. “USA Bowlers had him stuck, he was unable to play the bowlers. As soon as he reached 40-odd runs he got out. He should have stayed and won the game. Pakistan should have won the game one-sided,” Kaneia added.
Setting aside Kaneria’s criticism, there’s no denying Babar Azam’s talent as a batter. The Pakistan batter, in the game against USA, surpassed Kohli and Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket history. Currently, Babar has 4067 runs while Kohli and Rohit are following closely with 4038 and 4026 runs, respectively.
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Both Indian batters are not too far behind, and it will be interesting to see if Babar remains at the top or gets dethroned by either Kohli or Rohit in the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash. The two teams will clash in New York on June 9.
