NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has strongly criticized the comparability between Babar Azam’s present hunch with Virat Kohli’s previous struggles, calling the comparability “baseless”.
Hogg’s remarks got here after Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman defended Babar, who was dropped for the second Check in opposition to England following a string of poor performances.
Fakhar advised that Pakistan ought to take a web page from India’s e-book, underlining how Kohli was supported throughout his lean years from 2020 to 2023, as an alternative of being benched.
“It is regarding to listen to strategies about dropping Babar Azam. India did not bench Virat Kohli throughout his tough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we’re contemplating sidelining our premier batsman, arguably one of the best Pakistan has ever produced, it might ship a deeply unfavourable message throughout the group. There’s nonetheless time to keep away from urgent the panic button; we must always give attention to safeguarding our key gamers slightly than undermining them,” Fakhar posted on X on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Hogg dismissed this comparability, implying that equating the 2 conditions overlooks essential variations in circumstances and kind.
“Evaluating dangerous kind between Babar Azam & Kohli after rumours the Pakistan legend will likely be dropped for the 2nd take a look at v England is baseless. India: 2nd greatest win % throughout Kohli’s draught. Pakistan: 2nd worst win % by means of Babar’s. Arduous selections must be made!” Hogg acknowledged.
Babar Azam’s current kind has been regarding, with the batter failing to attain above fifty in his final 18 Check innings, culminating in his omission from the Check squad for the primary time since his debut.
This determination comes after a sequence of lacklustre performances, together with a disappointing exhibiting within the current Check in opposition to England, the place he managed simply 30 and 5 runs within the first Check match because the hosts misplaced regardless of scoring 556 runs within the first innings.
