Ever since his emergence as Pakistan's best batter across formats, Babar Azam has been widely compared with his more experienced Indian counterpart Virat Kohli.

Sharing his two cents on this debate, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria opined that Kohli and Babar can never be compared

In an exclusive chat with Sports Tak, Kaneria didn’t mince his words as he said Kohli’s aura is different and the latter’s presence on the field creates an impact which Babar lacks.

“Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing that people compare them. When you’re talking about comparing, look at the runs Virat has scored. He has scored runs all around the world. He is a massive player,” Kaneria commented.

According to Kaneria, media has played a major role in fueling the comparison between the two batters.

“Look at his stature, when he walks onto the field, his aura itself is different and he (Babar) does not come close, forget comparing them. All that is created by the channels to sell their product. I have had a lot of questions comparing them, but I have never done it. Look at the stats. When both of them retire, do take a look at the stats,” he added.

Babar Azam is going through a tough time for the past one year. He flopped both as a batter and captain during the ODI World Cup 2024 and the T20 World Cup 2024.

Babar is currently facing flak for his flop show in the home Test series against Bangladesh. He bagged a golden duck in the first innings of the opening Test in Rawalpindi followed by a laboured 22 off 50 balls.

In the first innings of the ongoing second Test, Babar could manage just 33 runs off 77 balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 274 on Day 2.