Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two of the most prominent batters in modern cricket, have always been at the center of fan wars on social media. Despite this, both players have shown immense respect for each other. In a recent interview from two years ago, Kohli went as far as to call Babar the best batter in the world across all formats, a statement that highlighted the mutual admiration between the two players.
Their first interaction took place during the 2019 ODI World Cup in Manchester. Kohli reminisced about the meeting, stating that he was impressed by Babar’s regard and respect from the very beginning. He acknowledged Babar’s consistent performance and expressed his enjoyment in watching him play. This praise from a player of Kohli’s stature speaks volumes about Babar’s talent and skill on the field.
The rivalry between fans of Kohli and Babar has added an extra layer of excitement to India-Pakistan matches in recent years. Babar, the former Pakistan captain, has an exceptional international record with nearly 14,000 runs across all formats at an average of over 47, including 31 centuries.
However, Babar Azam has faced a challenging 2024 season with the bat. Despite being hailed as the best batter in the world by Kohli in 2022, Babar has struggled to maintain his form. His average dipped below 40 across formats in 2023 for the first time since 2015, and it has continued to decline in the current season, with an average of just 32.32 in 23 games.
This decline in form has coincided with Pakistan’s struggles as a team, with a disappointing exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup and a string of losses in Test matches. Babar’s poor performance led to his exclusion from the second Test, which Pakistan managed to win by 152 runs in Multan, leveling the series.
In addition to his on-field struggles, Babar has also faced challenges off the field, relinquishing the captaincy twice after the disappointments of the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cups. It remains to be seen if Babar can rediscover his form and lead Pakistan to success in the future.
Overall, the mutual respect between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is a testament to the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists in cricket, transcending borders and rivalries. While both players continue to strive for excellence on the field, their admiration for each other serves as a reminder of the spirit of the game.
