‘Mohobat ki dukan has reached Pakistan too’ – Fans laud Babar Azam as he refuses to engage in comparisons of Virat Kohli and himself

Over the last few years, the comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli refuses to die down. Even though their careers have been contrasting, the fans and to an extent, the media have been guilty of fuelling the debate. However, ahead of the Group A game between India and Pakistan, Azam might have taken a step to kill the comparison.

During the pre-match presser, the Champions Trophy 2017 winner was asked about the constant comparison. The Peshawar Zalmi skipper urged to leave the debate for the fans. He added that there is mutual respect between the two.

“Let’s leave the debate to the fans who do it. I don’t want to comment on it, everyone has a point of view. There’s definitely mutual respect. He’s elder to me, and I have been taught to respect our elders, no matter which country they are from,” said Babar.

The right-hander further added that he has learnt a lot from the former India skipper.

“I learnt a lot from him. When I started my career, I listened to a lot of his interviews. In 2019, I talked to him as well and it helped me as well. I can’t tell you the details about it. The mutual understanding between all of us players, from all countries — not just India — is pretty well.”

Saw a lot of respect from Babar Azam from Day One: Virat Kohli

In another chat, Kohli said that nothing has changed in Azam as far as the respect for Kohli is concerned over the years.

“I saw a lot of respect from him from Day 1. That hasn’t changed. Regardless of the fact that he is probably the best batsman in the world across all formats. He has been consistent. I have enjoyed watching him play. He is coming into his own. I haven’t seen his attitude change towards me. These kind of characters go a long way and they inspire people,” Kohli had said in an interaction with Star Sports.

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