IND vs PAK: "I Saw A Lot Of Regard And Respect From Him For The Game, That Hasn't Changed" - Virat Kohli On Babar Azam

Updated - 27 Aug 2022, 10:09 PM

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Photo Credit: (Twitter)

Indian batter Virat Kohli said that his first interaction with Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam, was interesting where they spoke about their love and respect for the game and it remains the same even now.

Kohli said that Babar is perhaps the best batter in the world across all formats at the moment but despite all his achievements, he remains humble and gives his all to the sport.

The first interaction I had with him was the 2019 World Cup after the game in Manchester. Him and Imad (Wasim). Imad I have known since Under-19 cricket, we have played against each other and Imad said Babar wanted to have a chat,” Kohli said in a chat with Star Sports.

Rishabh Pant, Babar Azam
Rishabh Pant, Babar Azam. (Photo: Twitter)

We sat down and spoke about the game. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him and that hasn’t changed regardless of the fact that he is probably the top batsman in the world right now across formats, performing so consistently,” Kohli went on to mention.

“I have always enjoyed watching him play” – Virat Kohli

Ignoring all the comparisons, Kohli asserted that Babar is an entertaining player and he has come of age in recent times, especially after taking over the captaincy in all formats.

And rightly so, he has amazing talent and I have always enjoyed watching him play. So that hasn’t changed. He is performing now and he is coming into his own.

“But I don’t see his attitude or his approach change towards me, which is a very good sign of someone who is very grounded in the foundations of his upbringing.

Babar Azam, Virat Kohli
Babar Azam (Image Credits: Twitter)

His cricketing foundations as well are very solid. So these kinds of players, these kinds of characters go a long way and inspire a lot of people. And I see that happening with him as well,” Kohli added.

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Virat Kohli