Shoaib Akhtar reveals how Babar Azam can become like Virat Kohli

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has been one of the most consistent batsmen for the Men in Green across all formats. He has been playing some really amazing knocks to take his team out of difficult positions.

Over the last couple of years, comparisons have been made between Babar and world number one ODI batsman Virat Kohli over their batting abilities. Both have been the pillar of strengths for their sides and whenever they get out to bat, something special happens.

Many legends believe that Azam still needs to work more to get to the level where Kohli is right now.

Now, former Pakistan cricketer and speedster Shoaib Akhtar has given his views on the comparisons between Kohli and Babar. He also revealed how the Pakistani batsman can become someone like Virat Kohli.

Speaking about Azam, Akhtar shared that he is a brand for the Pakistan cricket team and in the future, he should become a bigger brand. The Rawalpindi Express also highlighted on the fact why he sometimes uses harsh language on Babar and his batting techniques.

“When it comes to the Pakistan team, I feel Babar Azam is a brand and he should become a brand. So sometimes I criticise in strong language because I want Babar Azam to become a big batsman like Virat Kohli, take decisions like him, talk like him and take Pakistan forward,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

Azam has been a revelation for Pakistan in recent times. Last year, he scored 1092 runs in 11 ODI games with an average of more than 60 and scored 3 centuries, 6 half-centuries in 2019.

On the other hand, Kohli amassed 1377 runs in 26 matches with an average of 59.87.

In red-ball cricket last year, both batsmen continued to show their dominance and scored 600+ runs respectively. Both the players averaged more than 60 in Tests.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam is gearing up for a T20I series against Bangladesh. The Pakistan team has called back experienced customers like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez into the team.

 

Azam said that these two players have been icons for young cricketers in Pakistan and believe they have much more to give. The youngster appealed to PCB to get Malik and Hafeez back for the T20I series for maintaining a good balance between experience and youth in the team