Ashwin Discusses Babar Azam and Virat Kohli’s Credentials
“I am very sorry, I rate Babar Azam as an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli’s credentials are something else,” stated Ravichandran Ashwin while addressing the ongoing debate about the two players. Amid Babar’s exclusion from the Test squad against England, Fakhar Zaman voiced his support for the Pakistani star, suggesting that Kohli would not have faced a similar fate during a dry spell.
Babar Azam’s Recent Struggles Highlighted
Babar’s last half-century in Test cricket dates back to December 2022. In his last 17 innings, he has averaged a disappointing 20.70. Even more concerning, his average on home soil has dipped to just 18.75 over the past eight innings. Ashwin emphasized that while he holds Babar in high regard, the Pakistani player does not belong in the same category as Kohli at this stage.
Ashwin Calls for Ending the Comparison
Without a doubt, if given the opportunity, he will score runs. If there is class, that’s okay,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. He expressed that the ongoing debate should come to an end, asserting that Babar Azam and Virat Kohli should not be mentioned in the same breath.
Ashwin Compares Achievements
“I am very sorry, I rate Babar Azam as an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli’s credentials are something else,” Ashwin reiterated. He pointed out that Kohli’s achievements across different terrains and pressure situations set him apart from others in world cricket. He continued, “As far as I know, right now, if anyone comes close, it’s Joe Root in Test cricket.”
Kamran Ghulam Shines in Babar Azam’s Absence
In light of Babar’s omission, Pakistan opted for 29-year-old all-rounder Kamran Ghulam as his replacement for the second Test that began on October 16. Ghulam stepped into Babar’s No. 4 position in the batting lineup and quickly made his mark.
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Ghulam’s Impressive Century
Despite a shaky start with Pakistan at 19/2 within the first 10 overs, Ghulam delivered a standout performance by scoring a brilliant century. His innings of 118 off 224 balls included 11 fours and a six, demonstrating his readiness for the international stage.
Pakistan Finishes Strong on Day 1
Thanks to Ghulam’s impressive debut performance, Pakistan ended Day 1 at 259/5. His century not only highlighted his talent but also provided much-needed stability to the batting order in Babar Azam’s absence, showcasing the depth and potential within the squad.
