Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has compared Pakistan captain Babar Azam and India captain Virat Kohli. However, they often been compared to each other due to the similarity in technique, appetite for runs, and their captaincy while leading their respective national sides.
Mushtaq stated that Babar Azam is calm on the field as compared to India captain Virat Kohli, who is known for his aggression on the field. And, the veteran said that Babar Azam’s composure gave him an edge over Virat Kohli as well.
While speaking on Pakistan Cricket’s YouTube channel, he said: “Virat gets aggressive, but Babar is humble and calm, which is a positive for him. Sports science says that when there is a matchup between aggressive and calm personalities at the top, calm always triumphs. Babar Azam always appears calm, and this is where he has an edge over Virat Kohli.”
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He further added: “Both are making runs, so the talk of technique is pointless. What I think is that, while the technique is needed, but when you are making runs, technique is thrown out of the window. Attributes like tactics, physique, resilience, how to apply pressure, and mental strength become more important at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, the former spinner has also compared their fitness levels where he applauded Virat Kohli’s imposing physique. And, Mushtaq felt that Babar Azam is not far behind to reach there even though he has a lean body in comparison to many.
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He also referred to both players as world-class and added that Virat Kohli has scored runs everywhere and dominated every opposition quite convincingly in the process. He also praised both captains for their hunger and passion for scoring runs as well. However, both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam will play against each other as captains for the first time, when both India and Pakistan will play in the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in the UAE later this year.
