'It is unfair' - Ravi Ashwin shares his opinion on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparisons

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is hailed as the greatest modern era batsman to have graced the gentlemen’s game. He is the only cricketer in the world to have averaged 50+ in all the three formats of the game. Kohli averages 53.6 in Tests, 59.3 in ODIs, and 50.8 in T20Is at present. Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam is on the same line as the Indian captain as he has been performing wonderfully across all the formats.

Since his debut in 2015, Babar has been impressing everyone with his development and consistency. The batsman has proved to be a match-winner for his team as he has single-handedly won Pakistan many matches. This has led to his comparison with the legendary batsman Virat Kohli.

Ravi Ashwin opines on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli debate

However, Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin believes that it isn’t right to compare Babar with Kohli as it would put unnecessary pressure on the batsman. Ashwin added that Babar has a long way to go in International cricket. The spinner also expressed his admiration for the Pakistani batsman saying that he enjoys the latter’s batting a lot.

“I really enjoy Babar Azam’s batting. I watched the century he scored in Australia. Comparisons with Virat Kohli will put pressure on him, which is unfair. Kohli is one of the finest cricketers the world has produced. I am sure Babar’s time will come too,” Ashwin opined on the Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli debate as quoted by ARY Sports.

Notably, Babar is only 25 years old and he has already proved his mettle in international cricket. In 26 Tests, 74 ODIs and 38 T20Is played, Babar has scored 1,850, 3,359, and 1,471 runs respectively. The Pakistan stalwart averages over 50 in the limited-overs game while his average in the longest format of the game is 45.1. He has also been shouldered with the responsibility of leading his side in One Day and T20 Internationals by his country board.

The right-handed batsman is currently in England with his team for a Test and ODI series. Pakistan is expected to face England for a three-match Test and T20I series from August 5 to September 1. This series will also mark the return of the Pakistan side in the game of cricket after a long unexpected break of four months owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.