Published on 12:48 PM, September 02, 2023

I learned a lot from Kohli: Babar

PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said that he learned a lot from former India captain Virat Kohli as the two prepare to take the field in a mouth-watering Asia Cup clash in Pallekele today. 

"I learned a lot from him. When I first started my career, I looked up a lot of his [Kohli's] interviews. I talked to him in 2019 [during the ODI World Cup in England] and that helped me a lot," Babar said in the pre-match press conference in Kandy yesterday. 

Two of the very best in the business, Babar and Kohli often get the fans' tongue wagging, especially before any India-Pakistan clash, which only happens during global events due to sour political relations between the two neigbhouring nations. 

Despite the persisting love-hate relationship between India and Pakistan fans, Babar has always talked highly of Kohli. 

But, who is the best between the two? The 28-year-old Pakistan skipper did not want to comment on the raging question that often becomes the topic of discussion between the fans of the two nations. 

"Leave the debate [who is the best] to the fans. I don't want to comment on it. Everyone has his own perspective. Obviously, there is mutual respect between us [Babar and Kohli]. He is my senior, and we have a different sort of respect towards the seniors regardless of nationality. Not only between India and Pakistan, every nation shares mutual respect and admiration for one another," Babar added. 

Even Kohli spoke highly of number one ODI batter Babar in a recent interview. 

"I respect him from day one which has not changed yet. Probably, he is the best batter currently considering all three formats. I really enjoy his batting," Kohli had said.