Former Pakistan batter Ahmad Shahzad has hit out at the widespread comparisons between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli after the latter's forgettable outing in the ODI series against the West Indies. Shahzad declared that Kohli can't be compared to any cricketer whatsoever, given he is the legend of this generation.
Babar failed to reach even a 50+ score in the series against the West Indies as Pakistan lost an ODI series to the Caribbeans after 34 years. The right-handed batter was notably dismissed for 9 off 23 balls in the third ODI in Tarouba as the Men in Green were skittled for 92 in pursuit of 295.
In a video surfaced on X, Shahzad said:
"Jinko compare kiya jaa raha hai aaj kal mein. Jab compare kiya jaa raha tha, jab sab meetha-meetha tha toh khaaya bhi hai. Ab jab performance ho nahin rahi hai toh keh rahe hain, don't compare two players. Bhai kyun na karein? Maze bhi toh aapki hee jab campaign chalwa rahe they tab le rahe they na. Virat Kohli ka comparison toh waise bhi kisi se nahin banta hai. Iss generation ka legend hai aur role model hai. Uska comparison Dhoni se bhi nahin kar sakte."
(Those comparing Babar and Kohli in recent times now say why compare the two. I ask, why not? Those doing the campaigning of comparing them, were having fun. We cannot compare Virat Kohli with any player anyway. He is the generation's legend and role model. We can't even compare him to MS Dhoni.)
Babar notably hasn't scored an international ton since August 2023.
Babar Azam loses No.1 ranking in ICC ODI batting standings
Meanwhile, the Lahore-born cricketer's struggles meant that he lost the No.1 ranking in the updated ODI rankings for batters. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma now hold the No.1 and No.2 ranking, respectively in the updated rankings.
As far as the third ODI against the West Indies, home team's skipper Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 120, while Jayden Seales starred with ridiculous figures of 7.2-0-18-6.
