In a recent post-match interaction during the Pakistan Super League, Pakistan captain Babar Azam appeared visibly irritated when once again confronted with comparisons to India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli. The exchange came after a modest but important innings that helped his side secure a victory, yet the discussion quickly shifted towards the long-standing narrative of comparison between the two modern greats.
Babar, who led Peshawar Zalmi to a win with a composed 43 off 37 deliveries, initially answered questions about his performance and the team’s approach. However, when a journalist raised the subject of his frequent comparison with Kohli, the Pakistan skipper abruptly cut the line of questioning short.
“Please, you can end this comparison,” Babar said firmly. “Whatever question you are asking, leave it aside. What matters is understanding conditions, the situation of the game, what the team requires, the required run rate, and how the pitch is behaving. You have to plan accordingly and build partnerships for the team.”
The batter went on to explain that cricketing success cannot be judged solely through isolated statistics or comparisons. According to him, there are phases in the game where intent does not always translate into runs, even when the execution feels correct. “Sometimes you feel the ball is coming nicely, but you cannot find the timing. Even good shots go straight to fielders. You try, but you still do not get the runs,” he added.
Babar further reflected on handling lean patches and criticism, particularly regarding his strike rate and finishing ability in limited-overs cricket. He emphasised the importance of self-belief and sticking to one’s process. “At such moments, I remind myself of my strengths, my game plan, and my methods. Improvement takes time. Sometimes it takes months. People may think I have not finished games, but I have contributed in many ways.”
Despite being widely regarded as one of the finest batters in Pakistan’s cricket history, Babar has often faced scrutiny, especially in white-ball formats where expectations regarding tempo and finishing are high. His critics frequently point to his strike rate and perceived inability to close out matches aggressively, while supporters argue that his consistency and technique remain unmatched in the current era.
So far in the ongoing PSL season, Babar has featured in two matches, scoring a total of 82 runs at a strike rate of 126.15. While not extraordinary by his own high standards, his latest innings played a key role in guiding his team to victory.
PSL 2026 – Babar Azam Performance Snapshot
| Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Highest Score | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 82 | 126.15 | 43 | Match-winning innings vs Peshawar Zalmi |
The latest incident once again highlights how the persistent Kohli–Babar comparison continues to follow the Pakistani skipper, even as he urges the focus to remain on match conditions and team requirements rather than individual rivalries.