BREAKING: Babar Azam Appears Angry Over Virat Kohli Comparison

Babar Azam found himself at the center of a heated press conference moment after being directly compared to Virat Kohli over his finishing ability, and the cricket world just got a new story. The Peshawar Zalmi captain, fresh off a thrilling last-ball PSL 2026 victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen, was visibly agitated when a journalist brought up the long-standing debate.

During the post-match press conference, a Pakistani journalist questioned Babar directly:

Journalist: “Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you — what are your views on the comparison?”

Babar did not hold back, interrupting the question midway with a sharp response:

Babar Azam: “Let these things to yourself. End the comparison and carry on. It’s your misconception that I have not finished matches.”

The frustration was understandable. While Babar contributed 43 off 37 balls in the chase, he was dismissed before the finish. It’s a pattern critics have repeatedly pointed to. However, Babar insists the narrative is unfair, and his tone made it crystal clear he is done entertaining the Kohli comparison altogether.

What Pakistani Cricket Experts Have Said About the Kohli-Babar Debate

This is not the first time the comparison has sparked anger. Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria had previously given a brutal take on the debate, saying “Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing it,” making it clear he believed Kohli stood in a completely different league.

While that reaction came back in 2024, it shows how long this debate has been burning and why Babar is clearly exhausted by it every single time it resurfaces.

Why Virat Kohli’s IPL 2026 Form Makes the Comparison Even More Painful for Babar

Perhaps​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ that question from the journalist was a bit sharp, but Kohli’s present IPL 2026 form is actually making things even more difficult for Babar. The RCB captain began this year’s defending-title campaign with an unbeaten 69 off just 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading RCB in a chase of 202 that was achieved in 15.4 overs.

Kohli has already totted 97 runs in just two IPL 2026 matches at an electric strike rate of 173.21. This is a player who not only scores but he also finishes the game. He is a chaser. He closes the game.

If one compares this to Babar’s PSL 2026 performance, when he managed 43 before getting out, it becomes clear why the critics keep harping on this issue.

Babar does have the grace, the technique, and the records to present a compelling argument but if Kohli keeps delivering match-winning innings in pressure situations, the comparison will always haunt Babar wherever he ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌goes.

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