“He's probably the top batsman in the world across formats” – When Virat Kohli made a huge statement in praise of Babar Azam

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are among the top batters of the modern era of cricket and the duo's dominance has often attracted fan wars on social media. Yet, the two players have always spoken glowingly about the other. One such example was when Kohli gave Babar the ultimate praise during an interview two years back.

The former Indian skipper called Babar the world's best batter across formats in an interview with Star Sports, while recalling their first meeting.

"The first interaction I had with him [Babar] was during the 2019 [ODI] World Cup after the game in Manchester. I've known Imad [Wasim] since the Under-19 World Cup, and he said Babar wanted to have a chat. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from day one, and that hasn't changed. Regardless of the fact he's probably the top batsman in the world across formats, and rightly so. Performs so consistently and I've always enjoyed watching him play," said Kohli, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

The Kohli-Babar rivalry among fans has brought an extra edge to India-Pakistan contests over the past few years.

The former Pakistan captain boasts an outstanding international record with almost 14,000 runs across formats at an average of over 47, including 31 centuries.

Babar Azam has endured a forgettable 2024 season with the bat

Pakistan v Ireland - ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 - Source: Getty

While Babar Azam was at the peak of his powers when Virat Kohli hailed him as the world's best batter in 2022, the ace Pakistan batter has endured a forgettable passage since.

The 30-year-old averaged under 40 across formats for the first time since 2015 during the 2023 season. And the southward trend has continued in the ongoing season, with Babar averaging a dismal 32.32 in 23 games in 2024.

His struggles have mirrored Pakistan's as the side suffered a shocking first-round exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup and were on a six-Test losing streak after the first England Test of the ongoing home series.

Babar's poor form finally led to his exclusion for the second Test, which Pakistan just won by 152 runs in Multan to level the series. In the past year, Babar has also relinquished captaincy twice after the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cup debacles.