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The cricketing world has been set ablaze after former Pakistan cricketer and coach Mohsin Khan made a startling comparison between Indian batting legend Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam , asserting that Kohli is “nothing” compared to Babar. The comments have ignited a heated debate among fans and experts alike, especially in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 .
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Debacle
Pakistan’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 ended in despair as they crashed out in the group stage following defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India , with their match against Bangladesh abandoned due to rain. The team’s struggles have led to widespread criticism of their planning, strategy, and leadership, prompting calls for significant changes within the squad and management.
In this backdrop, Mohsin Khan’s explosive remarks have added another layer of controversy to an already tumultuous period for Pakistani cricket.
Mohsin Khan’s Bold Take on Kohli vs Babar
During an interview with ARY News , Mohsin Khan delivered a scathing verdict on the Kohli-Babar debate, dismissing Kohli’s achievements outright.
“First of all, let me tell you one thing. Virat Kohli is nothing compared to Babar Azam; Kohli is zero. We are not talking here about who is a better player; we are talking about Pakistan cricket, which has been destroyed. There is no planning, no strategies, no merit, and no accountability at all,” he declared.
Kohli, who has consistently been a thorn in Pakistan’s side, scored a magnificent century against Pakistan in the tournament and hit the match-winning four in the high-stakes encounter. He amassed 133 runs in the competition, showcasing his trademark consistency. On the other hand, Babar Azam managed only 87 runs in two matches , with his slow fifty against New Zealand drawing sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Babar Azam’s Position as Opener Under Scrutiny
Adding to the scrutiny surrounding Babar Azam’s performance, former Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam questioned the decision to promote Babar to the opening slot, calling it a tactical blunder.
“Why on earth will you send him to No. 1? He’s not an opener . No. 3 is the backbone of a batting lineup, and your best batter should play there. He should have been told by the coaches to stay at No. 3 and get a century. If he got a hundred and someone else chipped in with 50 or 60, you’d have nearly 300 runs on the board. That’s how you should be playing. Even Babar should have refused to change his position. I don’t know who convinced him to open; it was a bad decision,” Alam remarked.
Alam’s critique highlights the growing concerns over Pakistan’s batting strategy and the mismanagement of their key players, particularly Babar Azam, who is widely regarded as one of the best batters in the world.
Pressure Mounts on Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has intensified the pressure on the team’s management and players. Reports suggest that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could be axed soon, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks to overhaul the squad and address recurring issues.
The debate over team selection, leadership, and strategy has reached fever pitch, with fans and experts demanding accountability. Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan’s provocative comments on Kohli and Babar have only poured more fuel onto the fire, reigniting the age-old rivalry between India and Pakistan.
The Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam Debate
While both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are celebrated as modern-day greats, their styles and impact differ significantly. Kohli’s aggressive approach and ability to perform under pressure have earned him legendary status, while Babar is lauded for his elegance, technique, and consistency across formats.
However, Kohli’s recent heroics against Pakistan, coupled with Babar’s struggles in the same tournament, have tilted the scales in favor of the Indian superstar in this particular showdown. Mohsin Khan’s comments, though controversial, reflect the frustration simmering within Pakistan cricket circles over their team’s inability to challenge the best.
Conclusion: A Divisive Debate Amid Turmoil
As Pakistan grapples with yet another early exit from a global tournament, the debate over Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam has taken center stage, fueled by Mohsin Khan’s incendiary remarks. While opinions may vary, one thing is clear: both players are giants of the game, and comparisons between them often say more about the state of their respective teams than their individual abilities.
For now, Pakistan must focus on rebuilding and addressing the systemic issues plaguing their cricket. As for the Kohli-Babar debate, it remains a topic that will continue to divide fans and experts for years to come.
