Azhar Ali Opines On Virat Kohli-Babar Azam Comparison

Not many would disagree with the fact that Virat Kohli is the best across formats by a mile amongst his compatriots. While the other batsmen have been putting on performances to measure up to Virat’s level, very few are as consistent as him. Keeping in mind the famous rivalry between India and Pakistan, comparisons between Kohli and Babar Azam have been on the rise in recent times. In this regard, Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has revealed his take.

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Having made his debut in 2008, the present Indian captain has already established himself as a stalwart in all the formats. Kohli is the only batsman from the current generation to average comfortably over 50 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. One-day cricket has become his strongest suit in which the 31-year old averages an imposing 59.3 with 11867 runs.

On the other hand, Babar Azam is well on track to become one of the greats of the game in the future. The 25-year old averages over 50 in both forms of white-ball cricket while in Tests, the figure stands a shade above 45. The Pakistani batsman is ranked third and first in ODIs and T20Is respectively while in Tests, he stands at fifth. Meanwhile, the Indian skipper’s rankings are 1st, tenth, and 2nd in ODIs, T20Is and Tests respectively.

Azhar Ali conceded that his fellow countryman Babar is rising rapidly while acknowledging that he lacks opportunities. At the same time, the 35-year old admitted that in terms of making impact, playing match-winning knocks, and status, Kohli is in a league of his own.

“At the moment, Babar is on a rise. Maybe he doesn’t have any many opportunities as Virat Kohli but at the moment you have to say that Kohli is still better in terms of his achievements. Talking about skills, Babar is not less than any cricketer at the moment. But if we talk from the perspective of records, or match-winning knocks or achievements, Kohli has got more opportunities and Kohli’s status also as a player is big.” Ali said as quoted by Times Now.

Mentally prepared to face pay cuts: Azhar Ali

Speaking about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has also created financial distress, Azhar claimed that the players are ready to take pay cuts if the situation comes down to it. He said that the lockdown situation isn’t a pleasant one and that the Board would probably slash their pay in case it extends.

“It is not a good situation for any country and we know that if this lockdown situation continued for a few months, the Board might ask us to take pay cuts in the old or new central contacts. If such a situation arises that we are asked to take pay cuts we are mentally prepared for it and we will sit down with the Board and take the best decisions.” he further stated.

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