‘Virat Kohli Is Slightly Better,’ Mohammad Azharuddin on Kohli vs Babar Azam

In the last couple of years, there has been one ongoing debate in international cricket that is who amongst Virat Kohli or Babar Azam is better? Many former players have been asked over and over to comment on the debate. Bringing an end to this, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that while both the players are considered as modern-era greats, Virat Kohli has an edge over Babar Azam.

Virat Kohli has been playing cricket for almost 15 years now and the former Indian captain has over and over proved himself. Over the years he has amassed 24936 runs in his international career, with 74 hundreds and 129 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Babar Azam amassed 11864 runs, including 80 half-centuries and 28 centuries. Additionally, Azam won ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the ODI Player of the Year.

Virat Kohli is slightly better: Mohammad Azharuddin

During the ILT20 competition, Mohammad Azharuddin said, “Kohli is a seasoned player. His numbers are huge. I feel it is always difficult to compare two players, but these are two very different players. But if you see, Kohli is slightly better.” Despite having an on-field rivalry, both players share a bond of mutual respect for each other off the field.

In an interview with Star Sports, speaking about Babar Azam, Virat Kohli was nothing short of praise for the young Pakistan captain. “Babar is a very nice guy. I have always had good conversations with him. I am not sure about kinship since he is much younger to me, but there is respect. There is always respect. He was always keen to learn. He spoke to me after our game in the 2019 World Cup. I have always said he is keen to learn, and there’s no surprise that he is playing like this in all formats of the game. He is obviously a very talented player,” Virat Kohli had said.

Babar Azam might have come under scrutiny for his captaincy but with experience, the Pakistan captain will get better. India and Pakistan are to face each other in Asia Cup as well as ODI World Cup this year. Virat Kohli has regained his lost touch and Babar Azam just like always is among the runs. It’ll be interesting to see how well the two modern-day greats will stand up for their respective teams in big competitions.