Better if people compare me with Pakistan legends instead of Virat Kohli: Babar Azam

Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam has been often compared to the India skipper Virat Kohli for the way he’s been batting over the years. Babar himself has cleared before that there is no comparison between the two. Moreover, Kohli has played a lot more than him at the international level. Pakistan’s limited-overs skipper has once reiterated his stand on the matter now and has expressed that he would like if fans compare him with Pakistan legends.

Babar is currently in England serving his quarantine period along with the 20-member squad in Worcestershire. The whole squad was tested negative for COVID-19 after reaching England and the touring party is training in a bio-secure bubble as well. Pakistan and England will play three Tests and as many T20Is during the tour.

Coming back to Babar Azam’s statement, he wishes to be compared to the likes of Javed Miandad and Younis Khan among many others from his own country rather than Virat Kohli. ‘I don’t want to be compared with Virat Kohli. It would be better if people compare me with one of the Pakistani legends like Javed Miandad, Mohammad Yousuf or Younis Khan,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Pakistan focussed on winning the Test series, says Babar Azam

Babar Azam also asserted that amidst the tensed situation due to the pandemic, the team’s focus is completely on the series. He expressed confidence that the visitors can win the Test series as they performed well last time they toured the country. “We performed well on our previous tour of England which is why players are eagerly looking forward to the series. We are currently focused on winning the Test series as that is our first goal on the tour.

“England have the home advantage but our bowlers will give tough time to their batsmen. We will target their fragile Test top-order. Mohammad Abbas is experienced while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi have a lot of potential. We have high expectations from our bowlers,” Babar further added.

The 25-year-old has just started to emerge as the top batsman in Tests and averages a shade over 45 in the format after playing 26 matches. He is hoping to play his natural game during the series and wants to score daddy hundreds once he gets set. “When you score a century, you naturally want to go on and convert that into a double or a triple century.

“This is something I would like to do during the Test series. I like to play my natural game but my selection of shots depends on the conditions and bowlers,” he concluded.