Babar Azam, Kane Williamson and Joe Root are technically sound, their rough patches won’t last long like Virat Kohli's: Aaqib Javed

Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed has said that Babar Azam’s rough patch will never last as long as Virat Kohli‘s. Kohli has been struggling for quite some time now, as the former India captain scored only 341 runs in IPL 2022, and post that, he has played only five international matches this year. His form is a matter of concern and Javed believes that it is taking him time to get it back because he is not a technically sound cricketer.

Javed mentioned that Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root will come out of their rough patches very easily. Kohli, who has struggled with deliveries outside the off-stump line, last scored a hundred in November 2019. 

“There are two types of great players. One is players who, if they get stuck, their rough patch continues for a long time. The others are technically sound players, whose rough patch cannot continue that long, like Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Joe Root. It is difficult to find their weakness.” Javed said while speaking to PakTV.

Asia Cup 2022 is a good chance for Virat Kohli to get back to form: Aaqib Javed

“Kohli gets stuck at times with those deliveries outside off stump. James Anderson has targeted that a million times. Last day I was watching him bat and I felt that he is now consciously trying not to play those deliveries from a distance. When you change your technique, these problems will surface. To come out of it, he can try playing a big knock without being conscious. That will help him sustain a purple patch for a long time,” he added.

Javed also said that the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE will be a good opportunity for Kohli to get back to form. India will face Pakistan in their opening clash on August 28. “If Kohli doesn’t perform, and India lose, they also face a similar situation like us. Then questions tend to arise why didn’t they play an in-form Deepak Hooda, suppose. But in UAE pitches, even out-of-form batters tend to find rhythm,” he added.