Former Pakistan spinner Denmark Kaneria claimed that Babar Azam is not even close to Virat Kohli in terms of performance on the cricket field.
Kaneria felt that people should look at the statistics of the two modern eras before comparing them.
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are often compared to each other because of their huge fan followings in their respective countries, India and Pakistan.
Although Kohli is way ahead of Babar in terms of runs and centuries in all formats, Babar has caught him by scoring some big runs.
But the Pakistani star’s sudden drop in form in the last two years has not helped his cause. In the last two ICC tournaments, ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024, his disappointing return with the bat has seriously affected Pakistan’s performances.
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Kaneria of Denmark breaks silence on the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam
Speaking to Sports Tak, Danish Kaneria slammed people for comparing Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. During the conversation, Kaneria claimed that Kohli has scored runs all over the world and is way ahead of Babar Azam.
“Who compares them? I’m sick of hearing people compare them. Speaking of comparison, check out the runs scored by Virat. He scored runs all over the world. He is a massive player,” Kaneria said.
The former Pakistan pacer further mentioned that there is a huge difference in height between both the players and Babar Azam is not even close to Virat Kohli. He advised people to look at the statistics of both players.
“Look at his height, his aura is different when he steps on the field and he (Babar) doesn’t come close, he forgets to compare.” Anything that channels create to sell their products. I’ve had a lot of questions comparing them, but I’ve never done it. Look at the statistics. Look at the statistics when they both retire,” he added.
Recently, Babar Azam recorded two low scores in the first Test match of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Babar scored 0 and 22 in both the innings. His poor performance cost Pakistan dearly as the Men in Green lost the first Test to Bangladesh.
Denmark’s Kaneria does not want India to go for the Champions Trophy
Denmark’s Kaneria also shared his thoughts on India’s visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Ironically, he advised the Indian team not to travel to Pakistan and claimed that the tournament could be played in a hybrid model.
“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan and Pakistan should think about it, then the ICC will take its decision and it will probably be a hybrid model. It will be played in Dubai,” Kaneria said.
“There is hype in the media, everyone’s videos are liked because the big mancan is good, so it will sell. So I think it is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model,” he added.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in February-March next year and is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. However, there is a huge threat to the tournament as India is expected not to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will look for an alternative venue to host the tournament in a hybrid model.
