Contrary to popular assumption, Aakash Chopra believes that Babar Azam has not yet surpassed Virat Kohli’s elite standards.
Australia has set a 368-run goal for the Men in Green in their World Cup 2023 match in Bengaluru on Friday, October 20. Babar was subsequently out for 18 as his side was bowled out for 305, losing by 62 runs and ceding their spot in the top four of the points table to the Aussies.
Chopra stated in a video posted on his YouTube account that Babar cannot yet be compared to Kohli. He elaborated:
“The world rates Babar. Pakistan calls him ‘king’. They say a lot of times that he is better than King Kohli or at par with him. At this point in time, he is not. He is not close to the king.”
“I am telling you the truth because Babar’s journey has just started and Virat Kohli has already reached there – 48 ODI centuries, 79 total centuries, what a player.”
Aakash Chopra
In Friday’s game, Pat Cummins beautifully caught Babar at midwicket off Adam Zampa’s bowling. In the current World Cup, Pakistan’s captain has only scored 20 runs once in four innings.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass: Aakash Chopra praises his century in low-scoring chase
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Babar Azam has not yet performed in high-pressure situations, unlike Virat Kohli. He further explained:
“It’s not only about the centuries because Babar has also scored a lot of centuries but think about the games in which he (Kohli) scores runs. He scores hundreds against Pakistan. When a total of 150-odd is required for a win, he scores a century in that.”
Aakash Chopra
According to the renowned expert, Pakistan would not be able to chase down the goal unless someone scores a blazing century or other players contribute significantly. He stated:
“He scored 85 runs against Australia. He plays match-winning knocks but those big innings have not come from Babar, and it didn’t come in this match as well. If 368 had to be chased, someone had to score a quickfire 110 or 115, or three or four 70 to 80-run knocks were required.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra, on the other hand, lauded Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed for their fighting knocks. He went on to say that Babar was the only frontline hitter who didn’t fight back.