ICC World Cup 2019: Babar Azam Needs To Play Big Knocks To Reach Virat Kohli's Level - Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi believes Babar Azam needs to deliver big knocks to reach the level of Virat Kohli. Kohli is the most consistent batsman in the world and he has played big knocks for his team. On the other hand, Babar Azam has come up with a similar promise. However, Shahid Afridi believes Azam needs to convert his starts into substantial scores.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam had scored 48 against India but he was not able to convert it into a big score. Thus, Afridi said playing 50-60 balls will not help Azam in becoming a big player. In fact, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has often compared Babar Azam with Virat Kohli.

Babar Azam has shown the right technique and there is no doubt that he is going to hold the key for Pakistan. Azam has thus far scored 2902 runs in the ODI format at an impressive average of 50.91 in the 68 One Day Internationals he has played.

Meanwhile, Azam had himself said that he tries to emulate Virat Kohli by watching his videos.

“I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them,” the 24-year-old had said. “His (Kohli’s) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well.”

Shahid Afridi said that Azam needs to come up with better performances like Virat Kohli. Pakistan journalist Sadiq Saj took to his Twitter account to share the statement.

Shahid Afridi said, “It is my hope that Babar Azam will become a bigger player like Virat Kohli. But he won’t become that player if he plays 50-60 balls, scores 50-60 runs but doesn’t help Pakistan win the game”.

Here is the Tweet.

Shahid Afridi "It is my hope that Babar Azam will become a bigger player like Virat Kohli. But he won't become that player if he plays 50-60 balls, scores 50-60 runs but doesnt help Pakistan win the game" #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 22, 2019

Pakistan is at the ninth place in the points table and they have only won a solitary contest. Men in Green will play their next match against South Africa at Lord’s London on 23rd June.