Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has ignited a fresh debate in the cricketing world, drawing a sharp comparison between the batting legacies of former national captain Babar Azam and Indian superstar Virat Kohli. His recent remarks have stirred considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Speaking on a Cricwick podcast, Azam Khan lauded Babar Azam’s transformative impact on Pakistan cricket. He asserted that Babar has elevated the team’s global standing through his batting prowess, much in the same vein as Virat Kohli did for India.
A Bold Comparison: Babar’s Batting Legacy
Azam Khan highlighted how Pakistan cricket was historically synonymous with fast bowling. However, he credits Babar for shifting this perception, making the team renowned for its batting excellence.
“Pakistan cricket was famous because of fast bowling,” Azam stated. “But this guy made it famous because of batting. There is a huge difference. Like what Virat Kohli did for India.”
This comparison immediately brings to mind the immense influence Kohli has had on Indian cricket, widely considered one of the greatest batsmen of his era. Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has even dubbed Virat Kohli the “ODI GOAT,” underscoring his unparalleled achievements.
The Solo Burden vs. Legendary Support
Azam Khan further elaborated on his comparison by pointing out a significant difference in the environments where both batsmen began their illustrious careers.
Kohli’s Star-Studded Beginning
According to Azam, Virat Kohli commenced his journey surrounded by an array of cricketing legends. This provided him with a strong support system and mentorship early in his career.
“The era Virat Kohli started playing in, he had VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, (Rahul) Dravid, Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni. So many big batsmen,” Azam explained.
Babar’s Lone Battle
In stark contrast, Azam Khan believes Babar Azam largely carried the batting load for Pakistan without a similar constellation of established stars around him.
He emphasized, “But who was there with Babar? There was no one.” This distinction forms a core part of Azam Khan’s argument about the uniqueness of Babar’s legacy.
To summarize the contrasting starts:
- Virat Kohli: Began his career alongside cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and MS Dhoni.
- Babar Azam: Shouldered the primary batting responsibility with relatively fewer established legends surrounding him.
Do Fans Truly Value Babar?
When questioned about whether Pakistani fans truly appreciate Babar Azam’s monumental contributions, Azam Khan offered a candid and somewhat disheartening response.
“No, they don’t,” he replied bluntly, suggesting a perceived lack of acknowledgment for Babar’s impact among his own fanbase.
Azam Khan’s Current Stance & Other Views
The 27-year-old Azam Khan, who has played 14 T20Is for Pakistan, has not featured for the national side since the 2024 T20 World Cup. His outspoken comments come at a time when his own future with the team remains uncertain.
Doubts on India-Pakistan Rivalry
Interestingly, earlier in the same podcast, Azam Khan also sided with India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s perspective that the India–Pakistan rivalry no longer possesses the intense edge it once did.
Referring to Yadav’s claim during the Asia Cup, Azam stated, “If you see the ICC tournaments, I think… I don’t know if I should say this, but technically he is correct.”
Conclusion: A Legacy Defined
Azam Khan’s comparison of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli sparks a fascinating discussion on batting legacies, the impact of individual brilliance, and the varying support structures that shape a cricketer’s journey.
While both players are undeniably titans of the modern game, Azam Khan’s insights shed light on the unique challenges Babar Azam may have faced in cementing his status. The debate continues as to who made a greater impact on their respective teams and whether fans truly recognize the scale of their heroes’ contributions.