Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram has opined that comparing Babar Azam to Virat Kohli at this stage is a bit too early, though added that Babar is on the right track. The comparisons between the two batting stars have been going on for the last few years.
Babar, who made his Pakistan debut in 2015, has impressed one and all with his effortless batting style. He has 3122 runs in 42 Tests with 7 centuries, while has 4664 runs in 92 ODIs with 17 centuries to his name. In 74 T20Is, Babar has 2686 runs with one century and 26 fifties to his name.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli, who made his debut for India in 2008, is considered to be a legend already and is counted amongst one of the top batters in the world at the moment, despite his ongoing struggles with the bat.
Asia Cup 2022: Fans and media having a go at him unnecessarily - Wasim Akram on Virat Kohli's form
"It (comparisons) is natural. When we played, I remember people used to compare Inzamam-ul-Haq with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, before that it was Javed Miandad-Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath-Zaheer Abbas. It is only natural, like you said Babar has been very consistent in all three formats because he has got the right technique, that is why he has been so consistent. He enjoys his batting; he gets runs and is still pretty hungry. He is physically fit, he is still young and of course he is the captain for all three formats," said Akram while replying to an NDTV question during a virtual interaction organized by Star Sports Network.
"He is a young captain; he is still learning. As far as comparisons are concerned, I think it is bit too early for me, Babar is on the right track to be where Virat is but comparing him to Virat at this stage is a bit too early. But as I said he is on the completely right track to be one of the modern-day great," he added.
Wasim Akram was also asked how important Asia Cup is to Virat Kohli who hasn’t scored an international ton since November 2019.
He said: "Not just Virat, but for every player from every team. This tournament is very important for all teams from Asia. It is practice before the World Cup, and if you win, it would be icing on the cake, you'll get the confidence if you get runs or wickets against top sides."
Virat Kohli will play his 100th T20I match when India begins their Asia Cup 2022 campaign against Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai. Asia Cup 2022 begins on August 27 onwards.
