‘Pehle Australia se home series toh jeeto’ – Fans react as Aaqib Javed says Babar Azam is more consistent than Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have been two of the most consistent batters in the recent past. Kohli was in his prime from 2016 to 2019. On the other hand, Babar Azam’s prime started in and around 2018 and lasted till 2022. The Pakistani batter is yet to hit his next peak form in international cricket. It is to be seen how effective Babar can be in the period.  

The two batters from the neighbouring countries are always compared by the fans of the respective teams and players. The fans, experts, former cricketers, and current players are involved in the process. Sometimes, the arguments make sense. But most of the time, the statements just become worthless and hardly have any value in them.  

The former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed is the latest former cricketer to give his opinion on the comparison between Kohli and Azam. The 51-year-old claimed Babar Azam to be a more consistent batter than Virat in international cricket. The cricketer from Punjab also talked about the chances of Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, which will be a big tournament for both teams.  

‘Pakistan’s best chance to win World Cup’ – Javed

“Virat Kohli is not as consistent as Babar Azam. Kohli had been consistent in patches, and then he declined. Babar as captain has started to lead and dominate. This is Pakistan’s best chance to win the ODI World Cup in a long time,” said Javed about the consistency of the two star batters. The former right-arm quick also praised the captaincy of Azam and wished success for Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.  

It is interesting to note that Indian star batter Virat Kohli averages more than the Pakistani star batter Babar Azam in all formats of the game except ODIs, despite playing a lot more cricket than the 28-year-old. Azam averages 47.75, 59.17, and 41.49 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is respectively. On the other hand, Kohli averages 49.30, 57.32, and 52.74 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively. 

Here’s how the fans reacted to the statement of Javed –

https://twitter.com/AmodPan32589033/status/1692614586934120850?s=20

My Idolo is most consistent batter in history of Cricket pic.twitter.com/NL8EloJ6iU

— Rishab Garg (@ravishastri__) August 19, 2023

Absolutely NOT

— Shahid Pathan شاہد پٹھان शाहिद पठान (@ShahidPathan999) August 19, 2023

Dominate??? Abey jahilo pehle australia sei home series toh jeet lo

— Nandini Mishra (@Nandini13427198) August 19, 2023

I want the same brand of alcohol he drank before telling this

— . (@Bleed_Kohli) August 18, 2023

Babar is consistent on Pindi type pitches. However, when the ball moves a bit like whicg we saw in the recent T20 WC in Aus or last Asia Cup, he struggled. Virat obviously is not the same batter as he was pre 2020. Big players perform in big tournaments; bilaterals don't matter.

— Jayesh Nair (@JayeshNair) August 19, 2023

Nashaa ka asar hai aur kuch nehi

— Soumya Ranjan Parida (@yoursbabul) August 19, 2023

https://twitter.com/Harman35673056/status/1692615045023424999?s=20

https://twitter.com/AmodPan32589033/status/1692614128182124565?s=20

Lol pic.twitter.com/YreADXJcyi

— ✭4тн-Uмριяε✭ (@4thUmpireHere) August 18, 2023