The cricket world has been embroiled in a tug-of-war between statistics for a long time India‘S Virat Kohli And Pakistan‘S Babar Azam. Fans and pundits alike have spent years analyzing cover drives and strike rates to determine who truly wears the crown of this generation’s premier batsman. However, after Pakistan’s poor performance against India in the recent T20 World Cup, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has taken steps to settle the debate with a clear, reality-checked perspective.
Tensions were high during the chase for a big bet in Colombo. Chasing 176, Pakistan needed their captain to take the innings forward. Instead, Babar was out after scoring just 5 runs in 7 balls. Akshar Patel After a shot selection that left many scratching their heads. For Karthik, it was not just about low scores; It was about the mentality behind the dismissal.
Dinesh Karthik took a strong stand on the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik did not hold back, classifying Babar’s early dismissal as a lack of competitive resolve. While Babar is often praised for his technical beauty, Karthik pointed out a fundamental flaw in his approach during difficult moments – the same moments where Kohli has made his legend.
“I can’t imagine Virat Kohli playing that shot at the beginning of the innings. that’s dedication” Karthik commented. He argued that greatness is not defined by how you play when the sun is shining, but by how you absorb pressure when the walls are closing in. According to Karthik, Babar’s dismissal shows a lack of belief in what it takes to pull a team across the finish line.
While Kohli has been called the ‘Chasemaster’ for his ability to calculate risks and stabilize an innings under pressure, Babar’s failure to shoulder that responsibility in Colombo has drawn a barrage of criticism. With Pakistan’s 61-run defeat, demands for a change in leadership in the Pakistan camp have intensified, taking Babar away from the legendary status that Kohli already occupies.
Also read: Varun Aaron explains what is holding India back in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s T20 World Cup in different versions
To understand why Karthik’s criticism carries so much weight, one needs to look at the statistical difference between the two players on the grandest stage of T20 cricket. The numbers tell a story of consistency versus flashes of talent.
| statistical |
Virat Kohli (2012-2024) |
Babar Azam (2021-2026) |
| match/innings |
35 /33 |
21/20 |
| it goes |
1,292 |
615 |
| average |
58.72 |
34.16 |
| strike rate |
128.81 |
111.81 |
| 50’s |
15 |
5 |
| fours/sixes |
111 /35 |
54/9 |
The data highlight surprising differences in impact. Kohli’s average in a decade of World Cup cricket is 58.72 which is almost double the average of Babar. Perhaps the limit calculation is more straightforward; Kohli has cleared the ropes 35 times compared to Babar’s 9, despite Babar playing in an era where power-hitting has become the norm.
Karthik’s point is clear: greatness is measured by the ability to thrive in the eye of the storm. Unless Babar can replicate Kohli’s ability for match-winning flexibility, the debate may be a conversation with only one name at the top.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs South Africa Super 8 ticket prices, booking details
Dinesh Karthik settles Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam ‘legendary batsman’ debate with a candid comment
The cricket world has been embroiled in a tug-of-war between statistics for a long time India‘S Virat Kohli And Pakistan‘S Babar Azam. Fans and pundits alike have spent years analyzing cover drives and strike rates to determine who truly wears the crown of this generation’s premier batsman. However, after Pakistan’s poor performance against India in the recent T20 World Cup, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has taken steps to settle the debate with a clear, reality-checked perspective.
Tensions were high during the chase for a big bet in Colombo. Chasing 176, Pakistan needed their captain to take the innings forward. Instead, Babar was out after scoring just 5 runs in 7 balls. Akshar Patel After a shot selection that left many scratching their heads. For Karthik, it was not just about low scores; It was about the mentality behind the dismissal.
Dinesh Karthik took a strong stand on the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik did not hold back, classifying Babar’s early dismissal as a lack of competitive resolve. While Babar is often praised for his technical beauty, Karthik pointed out a fundamental flaw in his approach during difficult moments – the same moments where Kohli has made his legend.
“I can’t imagine Virat Kohli playing that shot at the beginning of the innings. that’s dedication” Karthik commented. He argued that greatness is not defined by how you play when the sun is shining, but by how you absorb pressure when the walls are closing in. According to Karthik, Babar’s dismissal shows a lack of belief in what it takes to pull a team across the finish line.
While Kohli has been called the ‘Chasemaster’ for his ability to calculate risks and stabilize an innings under pressure, Babar’s failure to shoulder that responsibility in Colombo has drawn a barrage of criticism. With Pakistan’s 61-run defeat, demands for a change in leadership in the Pakistan camp have intensified, taking Babar away from the legendary status that Kohli already occupies.
Also read: Varun Aaron explains what is holding India back in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s T20 World Cup in different versions
To understand why Karthik’s criticism carries so much weight, one needs to look at the statistical difference between the two players on the grandest stage of T20 cricket. The numbers tell a story of consistency versus flashes of talent.
The data highlight surprising differences in impact. Kohli’s average in a decade of World Cup cricket is 58.72 which is almost double the average of Babar. Perhaps the limit calculation is more straightforward; Kohli has cleared the ropes 35 times compared to Babar’s 9, despite Babar playing in an era where power-hitting has become the norm.
Karthik’s point is clear: greatness is measured by the ability to thrive in the eye of the storm. Unless Babar can replicate Kohli’s ability for match-winning flexibility, the debate may be a conversation with only one name at the top.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: India vs South Africa Super 8 ticket prices, booking details
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