Colombo: India’s crushing 61-run victory over Pakistan has reignited the long-running comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, with former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik delivering a sharp critique of the Pakistan star’s dismissal during the chase. Karthik questioned Babar’s shot selection and mindset, calling the attempted early slog a sign of pressure rather than control in a high-stakes match.
Speaking in a post-match analysis show, Karthik said the moment highlighted the key difference in temperament between elite chasers and those struggling under expectations.
“That is submission, not greatness”: Karthik
During his remarks on cricket platform Cricbuzz, Karthik said comparisons between Kohli and Babar are often overstretched, but the contrast in approach during tense chases is significant.
He said he could not imagine Kohli attempting a high-risk slog so early in an innings where stability and strike rotation were required. According to Karthik, great batters build an innings under pressure instead of trying to break free immediately with low-percentage shots.
Karthik described Babar’s stroke as “submission” to match pressure, adding that greatness is defined by the ability to absorb difficult phases and still guide the team forward. He stressed that not every match situation allows free-flowing strokeplay and that elite players adapt their tempo.
He added that in similar scenarios, Kohli typically focuses on rotating strike, building partnerships and taking the game deep rather than forcing the pace too early.
Dismissal triggers debate over intent and awareness
Babar’s wicket came while Pakistan were attempting a demanding chase. Instead of settling in, he tried to clear the infield with an aggressive slog despite fielders positioned in the deep. The shot selection surprised several analysts, given his reputation for controlled strokeplay through the covers and ability to find gaps.
Karthik said the stroke did not reflect Babar’s natural strengths and suggested that expectation and scoreboard pressure may have influenced the decision. He noted that Babar is known for timing and placement, not cross-batted power hitting against the match situation.
The dismissal proved a turning point, with Pakistan losing early momentum and failing to build a platform for the chase thereafter.
Numbers underline the contrast
Match statistics have added further weight to the renewed Kohli–Babar debate, especially in matches involving India and Pakistan in T20 tournaments.
Babar’s returns against India in recent T20 global events have been modest. Since his half-century in the 2021 edition, his scores against India in such tournaments have remained low, with several single-digit and low-teen contributions. Across six T20 matches against India in world events, he has scored just over 100 runs, with an average in the low 20s and a moderate strike rate.
In contrast, Kohli’s record against Pakistan in T20 internationals and world tournaments has been outstanding. He has accumulated close to 500 runs in T20 matches against Pakistan at an average above 70. His match-winning chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup is still widely regarded as one of the finest innings under pressure in the format.
Analysts say such consistency in high-pressure clashes is a major factor behind Kohli’s reputation as one of the best chasers in white-ball cricket.
Karthik backs new names in form debate
Karthik went a step further in his assessment, saying Babar is currently “nowhere close” to being the best T20 batter in the world based on present form and impact. He instead pointed to emerging Indian opener Abhishek Sharma as one of the most in-form players in the format right now.
He emphasised that reputation alone cannot define greatness and that current match influence, adaptability and strike intent must be considered when ranking players in the shortest format.
Possible Pakistan changes ahead
Following the defeat, reports indicate Pakistan team management may consider bold selection changes for their upcoming must-win fixture. Senior players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, could be rested or rotated as part of a reset strategy.
Team combinations and batting order flexibility are expected to be reviewed as Pakistan look to stay alive in the tournament.
Conclusion
Karthik’s blunt remarks have added fresh fuel to the Kohli versus Babar debate, shifting focus from stylistic comparisons to temperament under pressure. While both players remain central figures in modern cricket, performances in high-stakes chases continue to shape expert and public perception. With more big matches ahead, the comparison is unlikely to fade anytime soon.