‘Kohli comparisons flattering, but still a long way to go’

SHARJAH: Babar Azam says he feels flattered to be compared to Virat Kohli, but he is still at the start of his career and can improve a lot.

Since cracking three consecutive centuries against the West Indies in 2016 – just a year after his international baptism – Babar has risen to number one in the ICC T20I rankings, 18th in Tests and fifth in ODIs.

Cricket pundits are comparing Babar to Virat Kohli of India.Although comparisons are hazardous and Kohli currently has a far superior record than his Pakistani counterpart, Babar’s stupendous start to international cricket hints he has the ability to match the Indian superstar, if not overtake him.

“It’s flattering to be compared to Kohli,” said Babar.“He is very consistent and his mindset is very good. He gives his 100 percent every time he walks out to bat. I am at the start of my career, so the aim is to be like him and contribute to Pakistan’s success.”

Just like every successful cricketer, Babar too has done his hard work with pure determination.“I was attracted to cricket at a very young age,” recalls Babar.“My father’s elder brother Akram Siddiq saw the passion for cricket in me, so he pushed me and then another uncle — father of Kamran, Umar and Adnan Akmal — advised my father to work hard on me as he thought that I will make it big in cricket.”

Babar hit a century on his ICC Under-19 World Cup debut in New Zealand in 2010, against a West Indian team which featured incumbent captain Jason Holder in the attack. He accumulated 298 runs – third most in the event.

He led Pakistan to a quarter-final finish in the next event held in Australia in 2012, finishing with 287 runs in six games, behind only to Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque (365).

“I keep learning from my mistakes and take advice from my seniors Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq because I want to be better and better in Test cricket. The aim is to be the best for Pakistan across all formats,” Babar said.