Virat Kohli has showered rich praise on Babar Azam, saying he is not only a talented cricketer, but is also very grounded in the foundations of his upbringing, ahead of the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2022 to be played on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai, UAE.
The right-hander further recalled his first meeting with Babar in England in 2019 and revealed that the Pakistan skipper always treated him with regard and respect, which has not changed despite him probably being the top batter in the world in all three formats of the game currently.
Virat Kohli told Star Sports: “The first interaction I had with him was the 2019 World Cup after the game in Manchester. He and Imad Wasim. Imad I have known since Under-19 cricket, we have played against each other and Imad said Babar wanted to have a chat.”
He continued, “We sat down and spoke about the game. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him and that hasn't changed regardless of the fact that he is probably the top batsman in the world right now across formats, performing so consistently. And rightly so, he has amazing talent and I have always enjoyed watching him play. So that hasn't changed.
He is performing now and he is coming into his own, but I don't see his attitude or his approach change towards me, which is a very good sign of someone who is very grounded in the foundations of his upbringing. His cricketing foundations as well are very solid. So these kinds of players, these kinds of characters go a long way and inspire a lot of people. And I see that happening with him as well.”
Kohli also opened up about his chat with Babar when they met in Dubai during practice few days ago. He signed off by saying, “I congratulated him yesterday on how he's been playing and told him how amazing to watch it is and I wished him all the best. And he deserves all of this. And eventually, you need to have players like him to keep world cricket exciting.”
(With Star Sports Inputs)
