PAK vs NZ: "No comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.."- Mohammad Hafeez buries Pakistan captain

Former Pakistan cricketer and team Director Mohammad Hafeez downplayed Babar Azam when asked about his comparison with star Indian batter Virat Kohli.

Babar Azam Vs Virat Kohli has been a widespread topic over the last 3-4 years. Their fans on social media are often found arguing with each other as to who is the better batsman out of the two. Some claim that Babar has a better impact than Kohli for his national team while others express their likeness towards the former Indian captain.

Babar Azam Vs Virat Kohli: A trend on social media

There is another argument about the textbook cricketing strokes they play. Babar Azam fans claim that his cover drive looks more pleasing to the eye while Virat Kohli fans claim that Babar's cover drive is nowhere near Kohli's level. Another quite widespread argument is that - who is the better T20 player?

Both of them are often criticized for their slow approach in the shortest format of the sport but fanbases of both Babar Azam and Virat Kohli feel their Idol is better. In terms of statistics, it is a fact that Kohli is far ahead of Babar, who made his senior debut for Pakistan 6-7 years after Kohli earned his maiden cap for India in ODIs.

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have also been part of some breathtaking Indo-Pak contests in ICC and ACC tournaments. Babar was a part of the Pakistani team that defeated the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 finale under Kohli's captaincy.

Then during the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE, Babar tasted his first win against Kohli's India as the captain of Pakistan. In that match, Babar and Rizwan had paired up together to beat the Indians by 10 runs.

Then in the 2022 T20 WC edition, Babar saw Virat Kohli single-handedly help India prevail over the Green Army during a Group stage match.

What did Mohammad Hafeez say about Babar and Kohli's comparisons?

While speaking to a local Pakistani journalist, Mohammad Hafeez claimed that there is no comparison at all between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Hafeez explained that Kohli's contribution to the Indian team has been massive and that it is a class apart. He also stated that Babar has been doing equally well for the Pakistani team over the years.

Mohammad Hafeez, who was sacked from the team director role earlier this year, claimed that Babar Azam is an important player for the nation. But one thing that Hafeez doesn't like is the notion that Babar should be able to do everything on his own for the team.

"There is no comparison. They both are very good players. Virat Kohli's services and performances for team India is massive and Fabulous. Babar on the other hand is also doing well for the Pakistani team. But going into that zone and comparing them is something that I don't really like doing."

"Babar is a fantastic player. He has put up many fantastic performances for Pakistan over the years, he can help them win. This criticism is absolutely wrong that Babar has to do everything alone. But it is a fact that Babar needs to improve his game and he should enhance his skills in accordance to modern day cricket so I think Babar is learning very quickly." - Hafeez told a local Pakistani journalist.

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