Babar Azam’s Form Takes a Hit After Virat Kohli’s Praise
In 2022, cricket fans witnessed a rare moment of admiration between two of the world’s top batters – Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. The former Indian skipper heaped praise on Babar, calling him the world’s best batter across formats. Two years later, the tables have turned for the Pakistani cricketer, who is now facing a slump in his game.
The admiration between Kohli and Babar began during the 2019 ODI World Cup in Manchester. Recalling their first meeting, Kohli said in an interview with Star Sports, "The first interaction I had with him [Babar] was during the 2019 [ODI] World Cup after the game in Manchester. I’ve known Imad [Wasim] since the Under-19 World Cup, and he said Babar wanted to have a chat. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from day one, and that hasn’t changed." Kohli’s praise for Babar was unwavering, acknowledging him as the top batsman in the world across formats.
Babar’s impressive international record, with almost 14,000 runs across formats at an average of over 47, including 31 centuries, has earned him the respect of fans and players alike. However, the 30-year-old Pakistani batter has struggled to maintain his form in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. For the first time since 2015, Babar averaged under 40 across formats during the 2023 season. This downward trend has continued in the ongoing season, with Babar averaging a dismal 32.32 in 23 games.
Pakistan’s performance has also suffered, with a shocking first-round exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup and a six-Test losing streak after the first England Test of the ongoing home series. Babar’s poor form has led to his exclusion from the second Test, which Pakistan won by 152 runs in Multan to level the series. This setback has not been an isolated incident; in the past year, Babar has relinquished captaincy twice after the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cup debacles.
While the fan wars between Kohli and Babar have brought an extra edge to India-Pakistan contests, the two players have maintained a cordial relationship, often exchanging words of admiration. Now, as Babar navigates this challenging phase in his career, it remains to be seen whether he can regain his form and return to his stature as one of the world’s top batters.
