“Shouldn’t be mentioned in the same statement” – R Ashwin gives his opinion on Virat Kohli-Babar Azam debate ahead of IND vs NZ 2024 series

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it doesn’t make any sense to compare Babar Azam with Virat Kohli. The former Pakistan skipper has been under scrutiny for his poor form and has been dropped from the team’s playing XI for the second Test against England.

The star batter has gone 18 innings without a fifty-plus score in Test cricket, with his last century in December 2022.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli has been a consistent performer in all three formats of the game and has done a fabulous job for the team. However, Kohli has not been at his absolute best in the red-ball version

Ashwin said on YouTube Channel, “Definitely, if he is given a chance, he will score runs. If there is class, I believe we should end this debate once and for all. First of all, across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn’t be mentioned in the same statement.”

“I am really sorry, I rate Babar Azam. He is an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli’s credentials are something else. Across terrains, across times, across pressure situations, the kind of heists he has done, no one has come close to doing so in the world of cricket. As far as I know, at this point, if any one comes close, it is Joe Root in Test cricket.”

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin scored 114 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at an average of 57. Furthermore, Ashwin scalped 11 wickets in two Test matches against the Tigers at an average of 19.27. Thus, he bagged the Player of the Match award for his fine performance.