Pakistan middle-order batsman Babar Azam has shrugged aside comparison with Indian star Virat Kohli saying both of them are different players.
The 22-year-old, who has been compared on many occasions to the Indian right-hand batsman for his elegance and consistency, while talking to the media outside the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, said that his focus is on producing good performances for Pakistan.
“I am different and Kohli is different,” said Babar in response to a question from the journalist. “My focus is on delivering for Pakistan and that’s my main objective.”
The Karachi Kings star batsman further said that the team is focused on improving rankings in the 50-over format.
“The team’s atmosphere was and still is very good,” he said. “Meanwhile, as a team, our focus is to improve our rankings in the ODI format, where we are number eight.”
Earlier, Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal said that the right man to compare to the Indian 28-year-old batsman would be Babar.
“Compare Kohli with Babar, who is doing well at three,” said Akmal. “He is in great form so you can compare him with Babar and not me.” Also, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur praised Babar calling him an exceptional player to be. He then called him as a good as Virat.
“He’s a young gun who will be an exceptional player,” said Arthur. “I’ll go so far as to say, at the same age, I reckon, he’s as good as Virat Kohli, which I know that’s high praise but he’s right up there.” – MD
