Wasim Jaffer blames Virat Kohli comparison and hype for Babar Azam's downfall

The former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has come up with a strong and honest take on Pakistan’s batting star and former captain, Babar Azam, amidst the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2026. Babar Azam recently hit a 52-ball century against Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing PSL 2026.

The Peshawar Zalmi star has been in great form, scoring 401 runs in seven innings at an average of 100.25 and a strike rate of 143.73 in the tournament. However, Jaffer has pointed out a different side of the story behind his downfall in the international arena.

Wasim Jaffer shares honest take as Babar Azam shines in PSL 2026

The former Indian opener has made it clear that there is no doubt about Babar’s talent. In fact, he believes Babar is one of the finest players Pakistan has produced, saying he showed pure class with his batting style and consistency.

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But Jaffer feels that too much hype around him went against him. Over the years, Babar was constantly compared with India’s modern-era legend Virat Kohli. and Jaffer feels this comparison became bigger than his own game.

Fans and media started putting him in the same league and even calling him Pakistan’s king, as Kohli is also being the king in India. And the cricket pundit felt this is where things started getting off track for Babar, saying all this extra attention and pressure have affected his mindset.

Jaffer blames excessive hype and Virat Kohli comparison for Babar Azam's downfall

Jaffer noted that Babar Azam was trying to match Kohli’s level in every situation instead of just playing his natural game, and this led to his downfall across the formats.

Wasim Jaffer said on a podcast, “Absolutely. There is no doubt about it. He has also performed well. I obviously like him a lot as a player. He is a good player; there is no doubt about it. But I just thought he was overglorified and overhyped. Many started comparing him to Virat Kohli. He was made the king. And I think that was the reason behind his downfall.”

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He further explained, “The people around him also treat him like Virat Kohli. The media is calling young people the king, or whatever is going on. Unnecessary comparison started with Virat. And I think that pressure started playing in his mind. He tried to be like Virat Kohli. He tried to play like Virat. He tried to perform like that. Virat is one of the greatest players of this generation. So, I felt that the media hyped him too much. And from there his downslide started.”

Captaincy struggles added pressure on Babar Azam

Apart from his batting, Babar Azam failed to build the kind of legacy that was expected from him as a leader. The former Indian batter said that the right-handed batter was given a good run to lead the team, but he failed to take the team to the top, and it only added pressure.

Jaffer signed off by saying, “Plus, Babar also failed as a Pakistan captain. He didn’t make the team he should have. Even though he got the chance. But he couldn't live up to the expectations. I just thought that he didn't take Pakistan's cricket to the top and he lost his chance. But without a doubt, he is one of the finest batters of Pakistan.”

Comparisons with Kohli and media calling him as King contributed to Babar’s downslide. pic.twitter.com/fNEyfGiU59

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 24, 2026