Babar Azam is probably the top batsman right now, have enjoyed watching him bat: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been the talk of the town in recent times due to his lack of form with the bat currently. The former India captain has not been able to put up a memorable knock, and while he has received criticisms, many former and current cricketers from the fraternity have backed him during his lean patch. But Kohli was all praises for the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam as he lauded him for his achievements.

The cricketing mastermind, who has achieved laurels in the game, has not managed to bag an international century for over 1000 days now. As the Asia Cup 2022 kick starts on Saturday, August 27, India is set to begin their campaign on Sunday by taking on Pakistan, their arch-rivals, in what is anticipated to be a thrilling contest.

“Babar Azam is probably the top batsman right now across formats. I’ve enjoyed watching him bat. The first talk with Babar Azam was after the 2019 WC, we sat down & talked a lot, and he had lots of respect, that hasn’t changed even after doing so well in world cricket – he is so down to earth character, he will go long way as a player,” Kohli told Star Sports.

When Virat Kohli was having a rough time during the England tour in July, Babar Azam had come out in support of the Indian batter. He shared a picture of them and captioned it “This too shall pass. Stay strong.” To which, Kohli had replied – “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best.” The teams are one of the biggest rivalries, but the players of the two sides share a great bond.

“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,” Kohli added.

These kinds of players go a long way and inspire a lot of people: Kohli

Babar Azam, as a player, has come a long way. He had also been through a rough patch, but overcame it and now is the only player to be ranked in the top three spots, across all formats. Be it the T20Is, ODIs, or the traditional format of the game – Tests, Babar has aced his skills to perfection and keeps breaking records with ease.

“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. I congratulated him yesterday on how he’s been playing and told him how amazing to watch it is and I wish him all the best. And he deserves all of this. And eventually, you need to have players like him to keep world cricket exciting,” Kohli further stated.