Cricket

'Game recognises game' - Fans react to Babar Azam's 'I have learned a lot from Kohli, when he praises, it gives a lot of confidence' statement

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli will be playing against each other in the upcoming highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan.

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Daniel S
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Babar Azam and Virat Kohli

Pakistan skipper and one of the modern-day batting greats, Babar Azam has come up with a statement for the former Indian skipper and batting superstar, Virat Kohli. In his statement, Babar spoke briefly on his admiration and respect for Kohli, just ahead of the iconic clash between the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023.

Both teams will take on each other in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Rohit Sharma’s men will be taking on the men in green for the first time since they locked horns in the historic clash during the T20 World Cup 2022.

Coming back to Babar Azam’s statement for Virat Kohli, the former said that he has learned a lot from the Indian batting great. Notably, Babar recently broke two records of Kohli when he smashed a remarkable century in the tournament opener of the Asia Cup 2023 against the new entrants Nepal.

"It was a proud moment for me." - Babar Azam on getting praises from Virat Kohli

Babar became the fastest to reach the 19th century just in his 102nd innings surpassing Kohli who achieved the same feat in 104 innings; apart from that, the Lahore batter also became the first skipper to register the highest individual score (151 runs) in an Asia Cup match, surpassing Kohli’s 136 during Asia Cup 2014 against Bangladesh.

"I have learned a lot from Kohli - a big player like Kohli says something good about you, it gives a lot of confidence. It was a proud moment for me," said Babar Azam to Star Sports in an official video posted by them ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash.

"When I met Virat Kohli in 2019. He was at his peak. Now also he is at his peak. I asked him a few questions about the batting approach and he was kind enough to explain to me in so much detail. I got a lot of help from it," he added later.

The 34-year-old also replied to the praising comments from the Pakistan batting superstar, he said that he experienced a lot of regard and respect from Babar since they met first time.

"I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from day one. That hasn't changed regardless of the fact that he is the top batsman in the world across formats at the moment. I don't see his attitude and approach changing towards me," said Virat Kohli.

Here’s how fans reacted to Babar Azam’s statement for Virat Kohli:

Babar Azam Virat Kohli Asia Cup 2023