In the world of cricket, comparisons between players are inevitable, especially when it comes to icons like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both have been hailed as modern-day greats, but recently, Babar Azam has faced a barrage of criticism for his inconsistent form. Adding to the conversation is Pakistan cricket legend Younis Khan, who has not held back in offering advice to Babar, urging him to “look at Virat Kohli” to overcome his struggles.
This blog will delve into Younis Khan’s recent comments, examine Babar Azam’s current performance, and explore the significance of Kohli as a role model for the Pakistani captain. If you’re a cricket fan or simply curious about the dynamics between these two greats, read on to discover why Younis Khan believes Babar should follow in Kohli’s footsteps.
Younis Khan’s Advice to Babar Azam: ‘Look at Virat Kohli’
Younis Khan, Pakistan’s legendary former captain and a veteran with over 10,000 Test runs, has recently commented on Babar Azam’s current form. Known for his candid takes, Younis believes Babar has the potential to rise above his recent struggles but insists that the Pakistani skipper should take inspiration from India’s batting maestro, Virat Kohli.
Khan highlighted Kohli’s ability to bounce back from tough phases in his career and how his relentless work ethic and mental fortitude have kept him at the top for over a decade. According to Younis Khan, Babar Azam needs to develop the same resilience, emphasizing the importance of learning from Kohli’s preparation, mindset, and ability to perform under pressure.
The Importance of Mental Strength: Kohli vs. Babar
One of the key aspects that Younis Khan pointed out is Virat Kohli’s mental strength. Kohli, known for his aggressive and determined approach, has had his fair share of dips in form but has always found a way to fight back. His recent resurgence after a lean patch in 2021 serves as a prime example of how top-level athletes overcome adversity.
Babar Azam, on the other hand, has been criticized for not converting starts into big scores, especially in high-stakes matches. While he undoubtedly has the technical skills to match Kohli, what sets them apart is how they handle pressure. Younis Khan believes Babar can learn from Kohli’s focus, mental toughness, and determination to win games for his team, even in challenging situations.
Babar Azam’s Current Struggles: A Closer Look
Babar Azam’s struggles have been most evident in Pakistan’s recent series, where his performances have been underwhelming compared to his usual high standards. Despite being ranked as one of the top batsmen in the world, Babar has faced criticism for his inability to deliver match-winning knocks consistently, especially in crunch situations.
Pakistan’s cricketing legends, including Younis Khan, have called for Babar to evolve his game. Younis emphasized the need for Babar to not just rely on his natural talent but to improve his fitness, mental focus, and leadership skills—areas where Kohli excels. Babar’s career is at a critical juncture, and it remains to be seen how he responds to these challenges.
Virat Kohli’s Role as a Model of Consistency
When we talk about consistency, Virat Kohli’s name stands tall. Over the years, Kohli has set numerous records, not just because of his natural talent but due to his unwavering dedication. Kohli’s attention to fitness and his hunger for runs has made him one of the best batsmen in modern cricket. He has mastered all formats of the game, scoring runs across different conditions and against the best bowlers in the world.
This is where Younis Khan believes Babar Azam should take inspiration. Kohli’s fitness regime, his focus on mental clarity, and his ability to reinvent his game are key lessons for Babar. Younis Khan stressed that Babar should watch Kohli’s videos, study his training routines, and, most importantly, adopt the mindset that has made Kohli a game-changer in world cricket.
The Road Ahead for Babar Azam
Babar Azam is still relatively young in his cricketing journey, and despite the recent struggles, he remains a key figure in Pakistan cricket. Younis Khan’s advice comes at a critical time, as Pakistan is gearing up for major tournaments, and Babar’s leadership will be put to the test. Learning from Virat Kohli’s trajectory could be the difference between Babar staying stagnant or ascending to even greater heights.
