Win Projections to be updated soon
Fakhar Zaman faced backlash after comparing Babar Azam‘s poor form to Virat Kohli‘s rough patch. Critics, including Brad Hogg, called the comparison unfounded.
Fakhar Zaman Criticised for Comparing Babar Azam to Virat Kohli
In the world of cricket, players often face rough patches, but how they are handled differs.
Pakistan’s white-ball batter Fakhar Zaman recently sparked controversy by comparing Babar Azam’s current form to Virat Kohli’s past struggles.
His remarks came after Babar failed to perform in recent Test matches, managing only 18.75 in his last eight innings on home soil, where runs have been plentiful for others.
“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, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” Fakhar wrote on X.
However, Fakhar’s comments were not received well by many, including former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg, who called the comparison between Kohli and Babar “baseless.”
Brad Hogg: “The Comparison is Baseless”
Brad Hogg, a former Australian spinner, criticised Fakhar Zaman for drawing parallels between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli.
Hogg pointed out that while Kohli was experiencing a century drought from 2020 to 2022, India continued to achieve a strong win percentage.
“Comparing bad form between Babar Azam & Kohli after rumours the Pakistan legend will be dropped for the 2nd test v England is baseless. India: 2nd best win % during Kohli’s draught. Pakistan: 2nd worst win % through Babar’s. Hard decisions need to be made! #ENGvsPAK #IINDvAUS,” Hogg wrote on X.
Kohli’s lean patch did not significantly impact India’s performance, as the team held the second-best win percentage during that period.
In contrast, Pakistan, under Babar’s captaincy, has struggled, recording the second-worst win percentage during his rough form.
Hogg emphasised the need for Pakistan to take decisive steps, suggesting that Fakhar’s comments could be seen as a misplaced defence of Babar, given the context of Pakistan’s recent results.
Babar Dropped Out From Test Team Against England
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the exclusion of star batter Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, and fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the squad for the last two Tests against England.
Babar’s dismal performance, averaging 20.33 in Tests since 2023, contributed to the decision, along with Shaheen and Naseem’s struggles.
They were replaced by uncapped players Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, alongside Mohammad Ali and Sajid Khan.
Selection committee member Aqib Javed emphasised the need for players to regain form and fitness to aid Pakistan’s recovery in the series, currently trailing 0-1.
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