Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has delivered a massive verdict on Virat Kohli, calling the Indian superstar the greatest white-ball player of all time. His statement is unlikely to go down well with those Pakistani fans who regularly compare Babar Azam with Kohli and claim that their star batter is the better player.
What makes this statement even more interesting is that it has come from one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers. While the Kohli vs Babar debate continues among fans, Akram has made his personal choice crystal clear.
Wasim Akram’s Massive Statement on Virat Kohli
During a recent interview, Wasim Akram was asked about Virat Kohli’s retirement and how he viewed the Indian batter’s career.
Akram responded in his trademark humorous style, pointing out that Kohli is a human being and cannot continue playing cricket forever. He joked that Kohli is not Dracula and will eventually have to retire.
However, it was his assessment of Kohli’s greatness that grabbed the attention.
Akram described Virat Kohli as a great player, a great role model and, in his opinion, the greatest white-ball cricketer of all time.
That is an extraordinary compliment from a bowler who represented Pakistan at the highest level and played against some of the finest batters in cricket history.
Importantly, Akram was not limiting his assessment to the current generation. He was placing Kohli at the very top of white-ball cricket across generations.
Wasim Akram’s Verdict Could Sting Babar Azam Fans
For years, a section of Pakistani cricket fans has tried to put Babar Azam ahead of Virat Kohli. Whenever Babar produces a big innings, comparisons with the Indian superstar begin again.
Some fans even refer to Babar as the real king of batting.
But Wasim Akram’s assessment delivers a powerful answer to that debate.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: The Difference Is More Than Just Numbers
Babar Azam is undoubtedly a talented batter who has played several outstanding innings for Pakistan. However, comparing him with Virat Kohli requires looking beyond batting averages and attractive cover drives.
Kohli has built his reputation through longevity, consistency, match-winning performances and his ability to deliver under enormous pressure.
His record in ODI cricket, particularly his performances in major tournaments and successful run chases, has established him among the greatest batters the format has ever witnessed.
In T20 internationals, Kohli also produced several memorable performances in high-pressure matches, including against Pakistan.
Babar has enjoyed significant individual success, but Kohli’s overall body of work and achievements on the biggest stages give him a powerful case in any comparison between the two.
The argument becomes even stronger when considering Kohli’s influence on Indian cricket and his ability to maintain elite standards over such a long career.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Career Stats Across All Formats
| Format | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 123 | 66 |
| Runs | 9,230 | 4,771 |
| Average | 46.85 | 42.98 |
| Centuries | 30 | 9 |
| ODI Matches | 316 | 143 |
| Runs | 15,109 | 6,626 |
| Average | 59.02 | 53.43 |
| Centuries | 55 | 20 |
| T20I Matches | 125 | 145 |
| Runs | 4,188 | 4,596 |
| Average | 48.69 | 38.94 |
| Strike Rate | 137.04 | 128.02 |
| Centuries | 1 | 3 |
Stats Don’t Lie… Virat Kohli Is Miles Ahead of Babar Azam and Every Other Current Batter.
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