IND vs PAK: "I Will Definitely Pick Virat Kohli Over Babar Azam" - Wasim Akram Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Encounter

The legendary left-arm pacer, Wasim Akram, recently named former Indian captain Virat Kohli as the superior batsman to Pakistan’s ace batter, Babar Azam. Wasim Akram pointed out that Babar Azam needs some time to reach the level of Virat Kohli in international cricket.

Wasim Akram’s statement comes ahead of the high-octane encounter between India and Pakistan in the group stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led team will face the Babar Azam-led side at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 2.

Babar Azam Is One Of The Modern Greats – Wasim Akram

In an interview with Fox Cricket, Wasim Akram acknowledged Babar Azam‘s potential as a modern great but also suggested that Virat Kohli currently has the edge.

“It is a very difficult decision, that is why I don’t become a selector. I’ll probably get a lot of slack back home, but I will definitely pick Virat Kohli over Babar Azam,” Akram told Fox Cricket.

“Babar is on the way, there is no doubt. He is one of the modern greats, but it will take some time. He will catch up, but it will take time,” he added.

Babar Azam scored 151 runs against Nepal in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 on August 30. The Pakistan skipper surpassed Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score registered by a captain in Asia Cup history. Kohli scored 136 off 122 deliveries in the 2014 edition of the Asia Cup.

Shaheen Shah Afridi Over Jasprit Bumrah – Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram said that Shaheen Shah Afridi is a better bowler than Jasprit Bumrah due to his ability to pick wickets with the new ball.

“I will choose Shaheen Shah Afridi over Jasprit Bumrah. Being a left-arm pacer, he reminds me of Starc, both of them bowl early on and they pitch it full and go for the wickets. That is what I like about him. He has got a bright future ahead of him as long as he is clear of serious injuries.”

“He has improved his batting as well at No.9 and No.10, he can come in and whack a couple of sixes. He is a genuine wicket taker and that is why I believe that he is one of the most important members of the team,” Akram concluded.

Jasprit Bumrah returned to the ODI team for the Asia Cup after a prolonged injury layoff. Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, has been in brilliant form and picked up two wickets against Nepal.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Sourav Ganguly Believes India’s Bowling Attack Could Pose Challenge For Babar Azam