Win Projections to be updated soon
The ongoing comparisons between Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam and India’s run-machine Virat Kohli have ignited debates among fans and cricketing pundits alike. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has decisively called these comparisons “baseless,” especially in light of Babar Azam’s current form and the Pakistan cricket team’s struggles on the international stage.
Babar’s Drop From Test Squad Stirs Controversy
The cricketing world was taken by surprise when Babar Azam was dropped from Pakistan’s Test side following a string of poor performances. The decision sparked outrage among his fans, with many questioning Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) handling of one of the nation’s top players. Supporters cited Kohli’s slump in form from 2020 to 2023 as an example of how elite players should be backed during rough patches, rather than dropped.
Notably, Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman voiced his support for Babar, taking to Twitter to defend his captain. Zaman pointed out that India stood by Kohli during his lean years, despite his subpar averages during that time, suggesting that Pakistan should have done the same with Babar. He described Babar as “one of the best batters Pakistan has ever produced” and warned that dropping a key player could send a negative message to the team.
“It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. We should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” Fakhar Zaman wrote in his tweet.
Brad Hogg: ‘Comparisons Are Baseless’
Despite the defense from fans and former players, Brad Hogg offered a different perspective. The former Australian cricketer, known for his candid opinions, dismissed the idea that Babar Azam and Virat Kohli’s situations are comparable. According to Hogg, the context of the teams’ performances during these periods of poor form must be taken into account.
Hogg emphasized that while Kohli was struggling for runs between 2020 and 2023, India remained among the best-performing teams in the world, ranked second globally. In contrast, Pakistan, under Babar’s leadership, has been underperforming, with one of the lowest win percentages among the top cricketing nations.
“Comparing bad form between Babar Azam and Kohli is baseless. India had the second-best win percentage during Kohli’s drought, while Pakistan has the second-worst win percentage through Babar’s lean patch. Hard decisions need to be made when a team is struggling,” Hogg said in a statement.
Star Australian middle order batter ruled out of Border Gavaskar Trophy and IPL 2025
Babar’s Form Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam‘s form across formats has been under the microscope, especially after a disappointing run in Test cricket. The star batter has failed to register a half-century in his last 18 Test innings, a stark contrast to the high standards he set earlier in his career. His recent performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 also left much to be desired, further fueling concerns about his place in the team.
In Pakistan‘s recent Test match against England in Multan, Babar struggled to score big runs, failing to capitalize on a flat pitch. His dismissal after being challenged by both edges of his bat highlighted the technical issues he has faced against quality bowling attacks.
Pakistan’s Struggles
While Babar Azam’s form is a topic of debate, the bigger issue remains Pakistan’s overall performance in recent months. The team has endured a rough patch in both red-ball and white-ball formats, leading to mounting pressure on the players and the coaching staff. The decision to drop Babar reflects the PCB’s desire to shake things up and find a solution to the team’s ongoing struggles.
Pakistan’s losses have not been limited to just Test cricket. The team’s performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was also underwhelming, with several players, including Babar, failing to deliver in key moments. This period of instability has led to calls for major changes in the team’s composition and strategy.
Virat Kohli’s Journey Through His Lean Patch
On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s resurgence after a lean phase offers hope to players like Babar. Between 2020 and 2023, Kohli experienced a significant dip in form, averaging below 30 in Test cricket during this period. Despite his struggles, India continued to back Kohli as the cornerstone of their batting lineup, trusting that his class would eventually shine through.
Kohli repaid that faith with a remarkable return to form, once again establishing himself as one of the most consistent and prolific run-scorers in world cricket. His journey through adversity serves as an example of how top players can bounce back, given the right support and environment.
What’s Next for Babar Azam?
With Babar now out of the Test side, the big question is whether this move will be a temporary break or a longer-term decision by the Pakistan selectors. The PCB will need to weigh the risks of sidelining a player of Babar’s caliber against the potential benefits of rejuvenating the team with fresh faces.
If Babar can regain his form in limited-overs cricket, there’s every chance he could force his way back into the Test squad. For now, though, his focus will likely be on addressing the technical issues that have plagued his game in recent times and returning to the high standards he has set for himself.
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