Cricket fans all across the world were disappointed after the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match in the 2023 Asia Cup was canceled on Saturday, September 2. There was just one completed inning in this much-anticipated contest due to the constant rainstorms. India, batting first, managed to score 266 runs in 48.5 overs.
Rain continued to impede play after India’s innings, preventing Pakistan from having their time at the crease. In the end, the game had to be abandoned, and the two sides agreed to split the points. Even so, this match was extremely important since it was the first one-day international (ODI) match between these two cricketing powerhouses since the 2019 World Cup.
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Pakistan had momentum going into the game after thrashing Nepal by a margin of 238 runs in the tournament opener. Pakistan, captained by Babar Azam, is presently ranked first in the ODI format. It leads many to believe that they will win against India in this high-stakes match. All of the pre-game excitement was focused on India’s powerful batting lineup taking on Pakistan’s terrifying pace trio. Nevertheless, an intriguing side story that pitted Virat Kohli and Babar Azam against one another added intrigue to the match.
Because of their outstanding consistency and skills, these two batsmen are frequently contrasted. Being the more experienced player, Kohli has a long history of exceptional performances. On the other hand, Babar has emerged as a formidable player in recent times. So, it can’t be denied that each is the cornerstone of their respective teams.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Kohli and Babar have a great deal of respect for one another. At the pre-game news conference, Babar Azam underlined this sentiment in response to the many comparisons to Virat Kohli. He emphasized his admiration for Kohli and the value of treating experienced cricket players with respect.
Babar Azam shuts down a reporter for comparing him with Virat Kohli.
Before the highly anticipated game of India vs. Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup started, the Pakistani captain won many hearts. It all happened during the pre-match conference, when one reporter tried to ask him about his perception of Indian batsman Virat Kohli.
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Reacting to the reporter’s question, Babar Azam said,
“Let’s leave the debate to the fans who do it. I don’t want to comment on it; everyone has a point of view. There’s definitely mutual respect. He’s elder to me, and I have been taught to respect our elders, no matter which country they are from.”
He added,
“I learnt a lot from him. When I started my career, I listened to a lot of his interviews. In 2019, I talked to him as well, and it helped me as well. I can’t tell you the details about it. The mutual understanding between all of us players, from all countries—not just India—is pretty well.”
Virat also praised Babar Azam for his gaming prowess.
Interestingly, during a recent discussion, Virat Kohli was all love for Babar Azam. He even goes so far as to claim that the Pakistani batter is perhaps the best hitter in cricket right now.
In an interview with Star Sports, Virat Kohli said,
“The first interaction I had with him was at the 2019 World Cup after the game in Manchester… I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from Day 1, and that hasn’t changed regardless of the fact that you know, 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’ve always enjoyed watching him play.”
What do you think about this comparison? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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