Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned all-rounder from India, has made headlines with his bold statements regarding the ongoing comparisons between two of cricket's most celebrated batsmen: Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. His remarks come at a particularly relevant time, following Babar's recent exclusion from the Pakistan Test squad, which has sparked discussions about his form and future in the longest format of the game. Babar's struggles have been evident, with a concerning statistic showing that he has not scored a half-century in 18 consecutive innings, leading to his removal from the Test team amid mounting pressure and scrutiny from fans and selectors alike.
In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, Ashwin urged cricket fans and analysts to cease the incessant comparisons between Kohli and Babar, emphasizing that such discussions are unfounded. He expressed his belief that the two players operate on distinctly different levels when it comes to their respective performances and contributions to cricket. "If there is class, I believe we should end this debate once and for all," Ashwin declared, asserting that the stature of Kohli and Babar should not be conflated. He stated unequivocally, "Across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn't be mentioned in the same statement," underscoring the stark contrast he perceives in their careers.
While acknowledging Babar’s undeniable talent and potential as a cricketer, Ashwin maintained that Kohli's achievements are in a league of their own. He articulated, "I am really sorry, I rate Babar Azam. He is an outstanding player," but quickly pivoted to highlight that Kohli's legacy and accomplishments in international cricket set him apart. Ashwin referenced Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches, and to deliver match-winning performances consistently. He remarked, "The kind of heists he has done, no one has come close to doing so in the world of cricket," demonstrating his deep respect for Kohli’s cricketing prowess. In Ashwin's assessment, only Joe Root, the England Test captain, could be considered to match Kohli's remarkable credentials in the current cricket landscape.
When diving into the statistics, the contrast becomes even more apparent. Virat Kohli has amassed an impressive **8,947 runs** from **115 Tests**, boasting a commendable average of **48.89**. His record is further highlighted by the achievement of **29 centuries** and **30 fifties**, which speaks volumes about his capacity to perform at the highest level consistently and under a variety of conditions. In stark contrast, Babar Azam has recorded **3,997 runs** from **55 Test matches**, maintaining an average of **43.92**, along with **nine centuries** and **26 fifties**. While Babar has showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly during his performances in England where he has averaged **65.75** across four Tests, his overall record in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions remains a point of concern, with only one century to his name in these crucial cricketing territories.
The pressure on Babar to deliver is palpable, especially after his recent demotion from the Test squad. He will undoubtedly be eager to bounce back and prove his critics wrong whenever he gets his next chance. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is preparing for an important three-match Test series against New Zealand, a stage where he will be looking to assert his dominance once again and find a significant innings to solidify his form ahead of the highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia. The cricketing world will be closely watching both players as they navigate their respective challenges, particularly in light of Ashwin's pointed remarks about their careers and legacies. The ongoing dialogue about their capabilities and contributions continues to fuel debates among fans and analysts, emphasizing the ever-present nature of comparison in the realm of sports.
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