Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam He once again found himself at the center of attention – not for a match-winning innings, but for a heated exchange off the field. During the press conference after the match Pakistan Super League (PSL)Babar gave a sharp reaction to a question comparing his finishing abilities Virat KohliHighlighted by the increasing scrutiny surrounding his role as a match-winner.
Babar Azam fails to take Peshawar Zalmi over the finish line
leading Peshawar ZalmiBabar played a steady innings against Hyderabad KingsmanChasing a modest target of 146, scored 43 runs in 37 balls. The total, although not intimidating on paper, turned out to be more difficult than expected as Zalmi struggled to maintain momentum in the middle overs.
Babar looked fully prepared after setting his sights and started the innings with calm precision. However, once again, he failed to convert his starts into decisive innings, which could have ended the chase early on. The match eventually went down to the last ball, with Zalmi scoring a tense finish.
While the team won, questions re-emerged about Babar’s approach in the chase – particularly his ability to accelerate and finish the game under pressure.
Babar lost his temper after being compared with Virat Kohli in the press conference.
The real drama unfolded after the match when a reporter questioned Babar’s finishing ability and compared him to Kohli, who is considered one of the best chasers in modern cricket. The question seemed nerve-wracking. An obviously angry Babur rejected this comparison outright.
“Virat Kohli comes with the same game shot as you but he completes the match which you lack. People compare him with you. What are your thoughts on the comparison?” The reporter asked.
Babar rejected the comparison and believed that it was a misconception by journalists that he had not won matches for his team.
“End these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparisons and move on. It is your misunderstanding that I have not finished the matches.” Babar replied.
Babar’s blunt response reflected his frustration at the repeated criticism and constant parallels with Kohli, a debate he has been having for years.
Here is the video:
🚨 Babar answered a question on Kohli-Babar comparison 🚨
• Journalist – “Virat Kohli comes with the same game of shot as you but he completes the match which you lack. People compare him with you. What are your views on the comparison?”
• Babar Azam- “Let these things go… pic.twitter.com/A69fIV9urI
— Abdullah. (@Abdullah_56) 8 April 2026
Also read: PSL 2026: Karachi Kings captain David Warner accused of drink driving
Criticism of Babar continues
Despite being one of Pakistan’s most skilled batsmen across all formats, Babar has often faced criticism in T20 cricket. His strike rate, intent during chases and ability to dominate in difficult situations have all been the subject of debate among fans and experts. In the current PSL season, Babar has so far scored 82 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 126.15. Although the numbers look good, they have not entirely convinced the critics, especially given his relatively low boundary numbers – just 10 fours and one six.
Such statistics have fueled the narrative that Babar often opens the innings without providing the required explosive finish in T20 cricket.
Also read: Fans trolled Babar Azam for dropping his catch during an ad shoot
