Babar wants comparison with Pakistan legends rather than ‘Kohli’

Limited-overs captain Babar Azam has urged fans to compare him with Pakistan legends rather than India captain Virat Kohli.

The Lahore native made these comment while speaking during a teleconference from Worcestershire. “I don’t want to be compared with Virat Kohli. It would be better if people compare me with one of the Pakistani legends like Javed Miandad, Mohammad Yousaf or Younis Khan,” he said.

The Right-handed batsman has been in rich form and has been compared with fabulous – Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson – by cricket greats.

The 25-year-old has also set his sight on scoring a triple ton during the England tour. “When you score a century, you naturally want to go on and convert that into a double or a triple century. This is something I would like to do during the Test series,” said Azam. “I like to play my natural game but my selection of shots depends on the conditions and bowlers.”

He was also optimistic about winning the Test series against the hosts.

“We performed well on our previous tour of England which is why players are eagerly looking forward to the series,” he said. “We are currently focused on winning the Test series as that is our first goal on the tour.”

“England have the home advantage but our bowlers will give tough time to their batsmen. We will target their fragile Test top-order. Mohammad Abbas is experienced while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi have a lot of potential. We have high expectations from our bowlers,” he added.

The right-handed batsman also admitted that Mohammad Rizwan, who cleared COVID-19 assessment in second attempt, would be first choice in the Test despite the presence of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in the squad.

“Mohammad Rizwan is our first choice wicketkeeper and he will get full chance during the Test series,” he said.