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News India Live, Digital Desk: R of Colombo. In the high-voltage match played at Premadasa Stadium, when Pakistan expected a big innings from its captain Babar Azam, he returned to the pavilion after scoring only 13 runs. Since his dismissal, ‘furor’ (anger and noise) is being seen on social media. Fans and critics are now comparing him with the classic style of Virat Kohli that he shows in big matches.
How did Babar Azam get out?
Babar Azam completely failed to read an in-swinger from Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The ball hit his pads and the umpire declared him LBW. Although Babar took the review, he had to go back after getting out due to ‘umpire’s call’.
Comparison and controversy with Virat Kohli (The Comparison)
After the match, cricket fans on Twitter (X) started comparing the stats and ‘big match temperament’ of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli:
Pressure Handling: Fans argue that while Virat Kohli excels in pressure situations (like his innings of 82* in the 2022 World Cup), Babar Azam often gets out cheaply on big occasions against India.
Question on technique: Many experts said that Babar’s technique is being exposed in front of world class bowlers like Bumrah, whereas Kohli has faced such challenges boldly in his career.
strike rate: Questions were also raised over Babar playing 15 balls for 13 runs, while Virat Kohli was projected as a ‘finisher’ and ‘game-changing’ player.
Flood of memes on social media
As soon as Babar was out, there was a flood of memes on social media. Fans wrote, “The difference between King (Kohli) and Babar is that King stands up in difficult times.” Whereas Pakistani fans came to the defense of their captain, but the sorrow of defeat against India gave more opportunity to the critics.
Experts’ opinion
Former cricketers believe that Babar Azam is so burdened with captaincy and team expectations that he is forgetting his natural batting. The absence of any half-century in his last 5 innings against India shows his falling confidence.