“Babar Azam ‘doesn’t come close’ to Virat Kohli’s ‘aura’”

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has said that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam doesnt come close to India’s superstar batter Virat Kohli.

In a recent interview with SportsTak, Kaneria dismissed the comparison entirely, emphasising that Kohli’s record far outshines that of his Pakistani counterpart.

“Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing that people compare them. When you’re talking about comparing, look at the runs Virat has scored. He has scored runs all around the world. He is a massive player,” Kaneria commented.

“Look at his stature, when he walks onto the field, his aura itself is different and he (Babar) does not come close, forget comparing them. All that is created by the channels to sell their product. I have had a lot of questions comparing them, but I have never done it. Look at the stats. When both of them retire, do take a look at the stats,” he mentioned.

As it stands, Babar Azam is facing a tough period, struggling to find his form with the bat. His recent performance in the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was disappointing, with a two-ball duck followed by a laboured 22 off 50 balls.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who hasn’t featured in a Test match since January 2024 against South Africa, is potentially gearing up for a return in India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in September.