"Virat Kohli had MS Dhoni, who does Babar Azam have"- Tainted Pakistan captain

Pakistan's star cricketer Babar Azam didn't perform according to the expectations in the Champions Trophy 2025. He received plenty of criticism for his poor batting form from the country's former cricketers and experts.

However, Babar Azam has received some backing amidst this criticism from the former Pakistan opener Salman Butt. Butt claimed that Babar might not be someone like Virat Kohli but he is still the best in Pakistan.

Butt further came in defence of Babar that every player goes through a rough patch and backed him to return to form soon. He also asked for the other Pakistan players to step up till Babar does not get back amongst the runs.

Also read: Babar Azam & Co. in trouble as Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif set to take action after CT 2025 disaster

Salman Butt recalls Babar Azam's international numbers

While speaking to GNN HD News after Pakistan got eliminated from the Champions Trophy, Salman Butt recalled Babar Azam's outstanding numbers and claimed that Pakistan hasn't received a player of such numbers in the last couple of decades.

“His Test average with 9 centuries and 26 (29) fifties is 44.5 (42.77). One-day average is 56.72 (55.50) with 19 centuries and 32 (35) half-centuries. In T20Is, he (Babar Azam) has an average of 41 (39.83), a strike-rate of 129. Someone tell me if these stats have been beaten by any single player in Pakistan in the last 20 years,” Butt noted.

“The players who are trying to say they are match-winners, combine them and look at how many matches they have won. I think a comparison is warranted,” the former Pakistan batter added.

Salman Butt backs Babar Azam backed amidst poor performance

Further speaking in the same video, Butt admitted that Babar might not be someone like Virat Kohli but maintained that he is the best Pakistan batter. He asked for the other players in the team to step up and just like Rohit Sharma does for India when Virat Kohli is not in good touch.

“Talk sense. You don’t have a (Virat) Kohli or a (Kane) Williamson. Babar is no Kohli. But Babar is the best that we have. If he’s not scoring runs, he needs back-up now. When he’s scoring, even if you don’t like him you will have to sing his praises with the world,” Butt said.

“This dip in form, even Kohli had it, but Kohli is such a high-class player that he kept scoring 50s in those matches. Who did he have with him? Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni. Big players, match-winners. Who does Babar have?” he argued.

Babar has been compared with Kohli since both of them are high-class performers for their respective sides. However, Kohli has shown his worth in big games while Babar is yet to score big in important tournaments.

Babar Azam in CT 2025

Babar Azam scored 87 runs in two matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 75. His 64 off 90 balls against New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament drew huge criticism as the team failed to chase down a target of 321 runs.

Babar looked in good form against India in the second match but was unable to play a significant knock once more. He was dismissed for 23 off 26 balls which included 5 eye-catching fours.

His poor batting performance has raised questions about his batting intent as he has been unable to change gears when required. Despite being in poor form, Pakistan will hope their premier batter is back amongst the runs soon and start winning matches for them again.