NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has strongly criticized the comparison between Babar Azam’s current slump with Virat Kohli’s past struggles, calling the comparison “baseless”.
Hogg’s remarks came after Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman defended Babar, who was dropped for the second Test against England following a string of poor performances.
Fakhar suggested that Pakistan should take a page from India’s book, underlining how Kohli was supported during his lean years from 2020 to 2023, instead of being benched.
“It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” Fakhar posted on X on Sunday.
However, Hogg dismissed this comparison, implying that equating the two situations overlooks critical differences in circumstances and form.
“Comparing bad form between Babar Azam & Kohli after rumours the Pakistan legend will be dropped for the 2nd test v England is baseless. India: 2nd best win % during Kohli’s draught. Pakistan: 2nd worst win % through Babar’s. Hard decisions need to be made!” Hogg stated.
Babar Azam’s recent form has been concerning, with the batter failing to score above fifty in his last 18 Test innings, culminating in his omission from the Test squad for the first time since his debut.
This decision comes after a series of lacklustre performances, including a disappointing showing in the recent Test against England, where he managed just 30 and 5 runs in the first Test match as the hosts lost despite scoring 556 runs in the first innings.
