Virat Kohli-Babar Azam comparisons labelled Idiotic from Pakistan before Champions Trophy 2025

Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal opened up about comparisons between star Pakistan batter Babar Azam and former Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The cricketer-turned-expert stated that those who compare the two are foolish, adding that Virat Kohli is a global role model, and such players are rare.

Cricket fans, particularly on social media, frequently compare Babar and Virat, with debates focused on who has the better cover drive and who deserves the title of "Best ODI batter." India-Pakistan matches always generate interest, with fans from both countries often engaging in online banter.

People Who Rate Babar Azam Similar to Virat Kohli Are Foolish - Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal said that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam should not be compared. Akmal mentioned that Kohli is a globally recognized role model who has played with immense passion and set a high benchmark in the sport.

"Bewakoof log hai (people who rate Babar Azam similar to Virat Kohli are foolish). Virat Kohli is such a big player. He has been a role model globally. He has played with so much passion. Such players are hard to come by. He has set such a high benchmark. There is no comparison between the two," Akmal told Hindustan Times.

We Want Babar Azam to Score at Least 30-35 ODI Centuries - Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal, who played 157 ODIs for Pakistan, shared that the nation is eagerly waiting for Babar Azam's 20th ODI century, which would make him Pakistan's leading century-maker in the format. The former cricketer hoped Babar would score at least 30-35 ODI centuries in his career.

Akmal was confident that Babar would regain his form in the upcoming Champions Trophy. He also highlighted Virat Kohli's recent struggles, noting that Kohli has faced challenges with just three Test centuries in the past five years.

"Virat is such a big player but in the last few years, he has also been struggling for runs. He has just 3 Test tons in the last five years. Babar is also going through a lean run. He just needs to follow the process. The entire country is waiting for his 20th ODI ton. Maybe he gets back among the runs in the Champions Trophy. We want him to score at least 30-35 ODI centuries," said Akmal.

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli Have Both Faced a Dip in Form in Recent Years

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have both faced a dip in form and Babar has struggled across all formats, while Kohli has had difficulties in Test cricket. Kohli had a remarkable 2023 World Cup, where he played a key role for India and broke 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar's record for most centuries in One Day Internationals.

Babar struggled to score runs during the Tri-Nation Series against New Zealand and South Africa at home. He last scored his ODI century in August 2023 against Nepal. The Mohammad Rizwan-led team is placed in Group A with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

The hosts will take on New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. Pakistan will lock horns with archrivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on February 23.

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