Asia Cup 2023
‘I don’t want to comment on it’ – Babar Azam’s epic response on comparisons with Virat Kohli ahead of Asia Cup 2023 clash
Babar Azam and Co. are all set to lock horns against the Men in Blue on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Notably, the Men in Green registered a great victory during their opening game against Nepal on August 30, whereas they will be looking for another win against Rohit Sharma’s side to head towards the Super Four, which will begin on September 6. Meanwhile, during the press conference ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, was questioned about his constant comparisons with India’s star batter, Virat Kohli.
The stylish right-handed batter seems frustrated with this question and wants to leave the debate to the fans, who are comparing him with former India skipper Virat Kohli. Notably, the 28-year-old cricketer clarified that he does not want to comment on this question while affirming that he respects India’s stalwart regardless of which country he is from.
“Let’s leave the debate to the fans who do it. I don’t want to comment on it, everyone has a point of view. There’s definitely mutual respect. He’s elder to me, and I have been taught to respect our elders, no matter which country they are from,” Babar Azam said during the press conference.
When I started my career, I listened to a lot of Virat Kohli interviews: Babar Azam
Meanwhile, the Pakistan skipper again opened up about what he learned from the RCB opener. Moreover, the top-order batter mentioned that he had been learning from him since he met India’s modern master Virat Kohli in 2019. In addition, the opening batter clearly says no to opening up about the details of learning.
“I learnt a lot from him. When I started my career, I listened to a lot of his interviews. In 2019, I talked to him as well and it helped me as well. I can’t tell you the details about it. The mutual understanding between all of us players, from all countries — not just India — is pretty well,” he added further.