“If Virat Kohli can play for 2 years without performing”- Babar Azam given new life before Asia Cup 2025

“If Virat Kohli can play for 2 years without performing”- Babar Azam given new life before Asia Cup 2025

Saeed Ajmal Compares Babar Azam to Virat Kohli Amidst Dip in Form

Former Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal has sparked a debate by drawing parallels between Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli and Pakistani veteran Babar Azam. Ajmal suggests that if Kohli can continue playing internationally despite a dip in performance over two years, then Babar should also be given the same support.

The India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry Extends to Player Comparisons

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is not just limited to the teams on the field but also extends to comparisons between individual players. Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two cricketing greats from their respective nations, have often been pitted against each other by fans and experts alike.

Recently, Babar Azam has been struggling with a downturn in his career, a situation that has been rare for Kohli in his white-ball career. Despite this, Ajmal has come out in support of Babar, highlighting the need for backing the Pakistani veteran during this challenging phase.

Babar Azam’s Form Slump Raises Concerns

Babar Azam’s recent form across all formats of the game has raised concerns within the cricketing circles and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His performance slump has lasted for almost two years, leading to his exclusion from the shortest format of the game and possible replacement in ODIs as well.

Kamran Ghulam, the replacement player in a Test match, impressed with a strong innings, raising questions about Babar’s place in the squad. However, Ajmal remains firm in his support for Babar, emphasizing the need to stand by the star player during tough times.

Babar Azam’s Uncertain T20I Return Ahead of Asia Cup

Following Fakhar Zaman’s injury, Babar Azam was expected to make a comeback to the T20I side ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. However, his return hinges on his performance in the ODI series against the West Indies, where he struggled to make an impact.

With Fakhar Zaman likely to return from injury and Babar’s lackluster performance in the ODI series, his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad remains uncertain. This situation further adds to the pressure on Babar to rediscover his form before the important tournament.

Comparing Kohli and Babar’s Performances Against Rival Nations

Veteran Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has an impressive record against Pakistan, having played 28 matches across T20Is and ODIs against them. With 1270 runs at an average of 63.50, including four centuries, Kohli has been a standout performer in matches against Pakistan.

On the other hand, Babar Azam has faced India in 14 international games, accumulating 346 runs at an average of 28.83. Despite showing promise, Babar is yet to score a hundred against India and only has two fifties to his name.

In conclusion, the comparisons between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam highlight the challenges and expectations faced by cricketing superstars from rival nations. As Babar navigates through a tough phase in his career, the support and faith shown by figures like Saeed Ajmal can play a crucial role in his resurgence.

Babar Azam’s Struggle in Adapting to Different Formats

One of the key factors contributing to Babar Azam’s recent form slump is his struggle to adapt to different formats of the game. While he is known for his elegant stroke play in Test cricket, his performances in T20Is and ODIs have been inconsistent. This lack of consistency across formats has raised concerns about his ability to lead the Pakistani team effectively in all formats.

Unlike Virat Kohli, who has been successful across all formats of the game, Babar Azam’s struggle to replicate his Test success in T20Is and ODIs has been a point of discussion among cricketing experts. The pressure to perform in all formats can be daunting for any cricketer, and Babar’s current form slump may be a result of this added pressure.

The Mental Aspect of Babar Azam’s Form Slump

In addition to technical challenges, Babar Azam’s recent form slump may also have a significant mental component. The expectations placed on him as the captain of the Pakistani team, combined with the pressure to perform consistently, can take a toll on any player’s mental well-being.

Maintaining a high level of performance in the face of criticism and scrutiny from fans and media can be mentally draining for any cricketer. Babar Azam’s struggle to cope with these external pressures may be impacting his on-field performances and contributing to his current form slump.

Support Systems for Cricketers During Challenging Phases

As Saeed Ajmal rightly pointed out, supporting cricketers during challenging phases in their careers is crucial for their development and eventual resurgence. While it is easy to criticize players during a form slump, providing them with the necessary support and encouragement can make a significant difference in their performance.

The role of coaches, teammates, and cricketing boards in nurturing players through tough times cannot be understated. Creating a supportive environment where players feel valued and backed by their team can help them overcome obstacles and regain their confidence on the field.

Looking Ahead: Babar Azam’s Path to Redemption

Despite facing a tough phase in his career, Babar Azam has the talent and potential to bounce back stronger than ever. By focusing on his strengths, working on his weaknesses, and seeking the necessary support from his team and coaches, Babar can overcome his current form slump and return to his best form.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits Babar Azam’s resurgence, the comparisons with Virat Kohli serve as a reminder of the challenges and expectations faced by players from rival nations. Babar’s journey towards redemption will not be easy, but with the right mindset and support, he has the ability to reclaim his status as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket.

In conclusion, Babar Azam’s current struggles on the field are a test of his resilience and determination. With the support of his fans, teammates, and mentors, Babar has the opportunity to turn his fortunes around and emerge stronger from this challenging phase in his career.

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