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Babar Azam’s Solo Brilliance: Why He’s Pakistan’s Virat Kohli Without the Star Support
Pakistan cricketer Azam Khan has sparked an intriguing debate, drawing a direct comparison between Babar Azam’s profound impact on Pakistan cricket and Virat Kohli’s immense influence on Indian cricket.
Khan highlights how Babar has single-handedly transformed Pakistan’s cricketing image. Traditionally known for its formidable fast bowlers, Pakistan is now celebrated for its batting excellence, largely due to Azam’s contributions.
This achievement is even more remarkable, according to Khan, given that Babar did not enjoy the same level of established support that Kohli benefited from during his rise.
Babar Azam: Reshaping Pakistan’s Batting Identity
During an appearance on the Crickwick podcast, Azam Khan praised Babar for his pivotal role in changing the narrative surrounding Pakistan cricket.
“Pakistan cricket was famous because of fast bowling. But this guy made it famous because of his batting,” Azam stated emphatically.
He underscored the significant difference this shift represents, likening it to what Virat Kohli accomplished for India in terms of batting recognition.
The Stark Contrast: Kohli’s Legendary Support vs. Babar’s Independent Journey
Azam Khan delved deeper, pointing out the vastly different environments in which these two batting stalwarts developed their careers.
Virat Kohli’s early years in international cricket saw him surrounded by an assembly of cricketing legends, who provided invaluable mentorship and a strong batting lineup.
“Virat Kohli had someone around him who was a legend at that time. In the era he started playing in, he had VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and MS Dhoni. So many big batters,” Azam explained.
Babar Azam, conversely, navigated his ascent in a more solitary manner. “But who was there with Babar? There was no one,” Azam added, highlighting the unique pressure Babar faced.
Mohsin Khan’s Perspective: The Need for Collective Strength
Former Pakistan batter Mohsin Khan also weighed in on the discussion, acknowledging Babar’s individual batting brilliance while emphasizing the importance of a strong supporting cast.
“Babar isn’t a bad batter,” Mohsin affirmed. “But you need a clutch of quality players around him to support him.”
He further illustrated his point by referencing the robust support system that benefited Virat Kohli:
- In Tests: Kohli was flanked by dependable batsmen like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and KL Rahul.
- In ODIs: He consistently had the formidable presence of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.
Mohsin stressed that a truly great player becomes even greater when surrounded by other strong players who can share the burden and contribute consistently.
The Heavy Burden on Babar and Rizwan
A significant concern raised by Mohsin Khan is the immense and often unrealistic pressure placed on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to perform consistently at an elite level.
“If you are always put under pressure that you have to score centuries every time you step out, they are humans too — hence at times you aren’t able to play the game the team requires you to play,” he elaborated.
This constant expectation can lead to players feeling stifled and unable to play with the freedom required for optimal team performance.
Pakistan’s Batting Legacy and the Current Gulf
Reflecting on Pakistan’s rich batting heritage, Mohsin Khan fondly recalled eras when the team boasted a formidable lineup of world-class batsmen.
“During our time, there was Majid Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, and later Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan,” he reminisced.
He asserted that successful teams are built on collective strength, where multiple players contribute at a similar high standard. However, Mohsin noted a significant imbalance in the current squad.
“Right now, there is a big gulf between Babar and the rest,” he concluded, highlighting the team’s reliance on one or two key individuals.
Conclusion: Babar Azam’s Unique Stature and the Path Forward
The insightful commentary from Azam Khan and Mohsin Khan underscores Babar Azam’s exceptional talent and his unparalleled impact on Pakistan cricket. While his influence mirrors Virat Kohli’s, Babar’s journey is distinguished by the unique challenge of achieving such prominence with less established support around him.
This discussion not only celebrates Babar’s individual brilliance but also highlights the immense pressure he carries. It implicitly calls for a more robust and balanced team structure to ensure Pakistan cricket can truly thrive and build on the foundations laid by its current batting maestro.
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