Babar Azam’s calmness gives him edge over Virat Kohli – Saqlain Mushtaq

Former Pakistan legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq stated Babar Azam’s calmness gives him an edge over Indian captain Virat Kohli. Both Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are often compared with each other despite the fact that the latter has more experience than the former.

Meanwhile, it is well known that Virat Kohli is more aggressive in his approach as compared to Babar Azam. Kohli likes to take the bull by its horns and he is always trying to get under the skin of the opposition. On the other hand, Babar Azam is known for his sedate approach and he hardly shows his emotions on the field.

Thus, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are different kinds of players and they have different methods. Kohli has already proved himself as the best batsman in the world whereas Azam is also on the right path to greatness.

Saqlain Mushtaq added that Sports science teaches us that a player who is calm and composed has higher chances of success but Kohli’s methods have worked wonders so far. The former off-spinner also feels it is not fair to compare the two as Kohli has more experience than Babar Azam.

“Both are great players, with a great technique, and are mentally very strong. They have the hunger and passion to score lots of runs,” Saqlain told Cricket Pakistan.

“Kohli is more aggressive while Babar is humble. Babar’s calmness gives him an edge over Virat Kohli if we look at what sports science teaches us. But comparing Babar with Kohli is unfair because the latter has been performing for a very long time, all over the world.”

The Pakistan limited-overs captain has scored 3359 runs in 74 ODI matches at an impressive average of 54.17. On the other side, Kohli has an immaculate record in the 50-overs version as the talisman has scored 11867 runs in 248 matches at a staggering average of 59.33.

Kohli is the solitary player to have an average of more than 50 in all the three forms of the game whereas Babar Azam has an average of more than 50 in T20I and ODI format. The 25-year talented Pakistan batsman has an average of 45.12 in the Test fold.

Virat Kohli is the number one batsman in the ICC ODI rankings whereas Babar Azam is at the numero uno position in the ICC T20I rankings. Both the players have been consistent for their respective teams and they would like to continue the good show.

Both the captains could face one another in the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in September subject to the situation of the coronavirus. As per the latest reports, Sri Lanka will host the Asia Cup.