Younis Khan shares his two cents on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison

Babar and Kohli are among the most prolific run-getters across all formats.

Babar Azam | AFPEver since his emergence as Pakistan's best batsman across all forms of the game, Babar Azam has been widely compared with his more experienced Indian counterpart Virat Kohli.

See Also: Shoaib Akhtar feels Virat Kohli and Babar Azam will break many world records

Sharing his two cents on this debate, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan on Wednesday (June 10) said any comparison between Babar and Kohli is unfair at this stage, saying the former needs five years more to be compared with one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.

“I don’t like these comparisons. Look at Kohli he is at the top of his game right now. He is without any doubt the top batsman today and has performed in all formats,” the 42-year-old told reporters.

“Babar has also performed in all formats in recent times but the way I look at it, where Kohli is today, what he has achieved until now, Babar will be there in five years time.

“I would say after four five years if we make comparisons that would be more suitable,” he added.

Younis also feels the 25-year-old Babar has achieved a lot for his age.

“But I don’t think we should create so many expectations around him. We need to give him space and time if he is to go ahead and match greats like Sachin Tendulkar or Javed Miandad,” he said.

Younis, who was recently appointed as Pakistan’s batting coach, said he would like to work on the mental side of Babar’s game.

“I would love to see Babar achieve many more great things and become a legend. I want to see him surpass me and my records.”

Younis, Pakistan’s highest Test run-scorer with 10099 runs from 118 games, also made it clear that at the moment his contract was only for the tour of England.

“I am someone who likes to be respected and who wants everything in black and white. I want to know what my domain is and what I am required to do. When I was satisfied by the PCB on these things I accepted the challenge,” he stated.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 11 Jun, 2020

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