Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of India in their recent Champions Trophy 2025 clash, leaving their fans and cricket experts disappointed. The loss sparked controversy when former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez made a bold statement regarding the comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli.
**Hafeez Criticizes Babar Azam and Hails Virat Kohli**
During a discussion on a local Pakistani show ‘Game on Hai’, Mohammad Hafeez did not hold back in his criticism of Babar Azam’s performance against India. He compared the young Pakistani batsman to the Indian captain, Virat Kohli, labeling Kohli as the “true king” of modern cricket. Hafeez emphasized the importance of Babar stepping up on the big stage to prove his worth.
**Hafeez’s Remarks**
“Babar Azam is not the true king. It is Virat Kohli. Look at his performances. He has dominated all over the world. Get out of your PR machinery. We need a performer. Babar Azam is a good product. You tell me his one player of the match performance against India,” Hafeez expressed during the show.
**India Dominates the Match**
The match saw Virat Kohli shine with a spectacular century, leading India to a comfortable victory. Kohli displayed his prowess in chasing down targets, showcasing his signature running between the wickets and calculated shots. In contrast, Babar Azam fell short, scoring only 23 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya.
**Hafeez Calls for Performance Against Big Teams**
Hafeez further pointed out that Babar Azam has not delivered significant performances against top teams like India. He highlighted the contributions of other Pakistani players like Shoaib Akhtar, Younis Khan, and Shoaib Malik in crucial matches against India. Hafeez questioned Babar’s ability to win matches for Pakistan in challenging conditions.
**India Marches Towards Semi-finals**
India’s victory over Pakistan in Dubai propelled them closer to the semi-finals of the tournament. Pakistan batted first and posted 241 runs, with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan leading the scoring. India’s Kuldeep Yadav impressed with his bowling, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs.
In response, India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone for the chase. Despite losing early wickets, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer combined forces to steer India towards victory. Iyer contributed a vital half-century, while Kohli’s unbeaten century sealed the win for India.
The match not only showcased India’s dominance but also reignited the debate surrounding Babar Azam’s performance on the international stage. As cricket enthusiasts analyze the players’ performances, the pressure mounts on Babar Azam to deliver when it matters most.
**The Pressure on Babar Azam**
Following the defeat against India, the spotlight has intensified on Babar Azam. As one of Pakistan’s top batsmen, he faces immense pressure to prove himself on the international stage, especially in key matches against formidable opponents like India. The expectations are high for Babar to step up and deliver match-winning performances that can make a difference for his team.
**Babar Azam’s Potential and Talent**
Despite the recent criticism from Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam’s talent and potential cannot be overlooked. The young batsman has shown glimpses of brilliance with his elegant stroke-play and ability to anchor an innings. Babar has already established himself as a consistent performer in limited-overs cricket, boasting an impressive batting average and multiple centuries to his name.
**The Challenge of Being Compared to Virat Kohli**
Being compared to a player of Virat Kohli’s caliber is no easy feat. Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world, known for his exceptional consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Babar Azam, on the other hand, is still carving his path in international cricket and striving to reach the same level of excellence as Kohli.
**The Importance of Mental Strength**
In the high-pressure environment of international cricket, mental strength plays a crucial role in a player’s performance. Babar Azam will need to demonstrate resilience and composure to overcome the scrutiny and criticism that comes with the territory. Developing a strong mindset and the ability to thrive under pressure will be key for Babar to fulfill his potential and silence his critics.
**Learning from Defeats and Moving Forward**
While the defeat against India was undoubtedly a setback for Pakistan, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and growth. Babar Azam and the rest of the team can use this experience as a learning curve to identify areas of improvement and work on their weaknesses. Adversity can be a powerful motivator for players to come back stronger and perform better in future matches.
**The Road Ahead for Pakistan Cricket**
As Pakistan regroups after the defeat in the Champions Trophy, the focus shifts to the upcoming challenges and opportunities in their cricketing journey. With a talented squad and experienced players, Pakistan has the potential to bounce back from setbacks and make a mark on the international stage. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested as they aim to overcome obstacles and achieve success in future competitions.
In conclusion, while the comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli may spark debates and controversies, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the high standards set by top cricketers in the world. Babar Azam’s journey in cricket is still unfolding, and how he responds to challenges and setbacks will define his legacy in the sport. As the cricketing world watches with anticipation, Babar Azam has the opportunity to write his own success story and prove his worth on the global stage.
