The cricket world is buzzing with a heated debate! Irfan Pathan, the renowned Indian all-rounder, has ignited a controversy by slamming Babar Azam's performance in a recent IND vs PAK clash. But is it fair to compare Azam to Virat Kohli?
Pathan's criticism stems from Azam's disappointing dismissal for just 5 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. This adds to a string of underwhelming performances against India in T20Is, with Azam's scores dwindling since his 68 in the 2021 edition. The stats speak for themselves: just 110 runs in 6 matches, averaging 22 with a strike rate of 123.59.
But here's where it gets controversial. Pathan draws a stark contrast with Kohli's record against Pakistan, who boasts an impressive 492 runs in 11 matches, averaging 70.28. The highlight? Kohli's legendary knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he single-handedly steered India to victory under immense pressure.
Pathan boldly questions, "Has Babar ever played a Kohli-esque knock?" He argues that Azam lacks the ability to absorb pressure and finish games like Kohli. The Indian cricketer suggests Azam should have adopted a more conservative approach, focusing on singles and doubles, rather than attempting a risky big shot.
The former all-rounder goes on to critique Pakistan's batting strategy, claiming it lacks strength and depth, especially in the T20I format. He believes this weakness was exposed when India posted a total of 175, effectively sealing the match.
As Pakistan prepares for their crucial game against Namibia, the cricket community is left with a burning question: Can Azam rise to the occasion and prove his mettle against the odds? And more importantly, should we draw direct comparisons with Kohli? Share your thoughts below!
