Babar Azam Copies Kohli’s Century Celebration, Fans React

By Harshit - Nov 15, 2025 03:48 PM
Last updated on Nov 15, 2025 03:48 PM

Babar Azam finally ended his long century drought, scoring a masterful 102 not out against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The century came after 807 days and 83 innings, coincidentally mirroring the journey of Virat Kohli, who had also taken 83 innings to break a similar dry spell in international cricket. Fans and cricket enthusiasts noticed an uncanny resemblance between the two milestones, not just in numbers but also in the celebrations that followed, sparking intense discussions on social media about whether Babar was paying homage to Kohli or copying the iconic routine.

The drought-breaking innings was significant for Babar on multiple fronts. Apart from ending a challenging phase in his career, it also marked his 20th ODI century, equaling the record of former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar. For Pakistan, the knock was crucial in chasing 289 and securing a solid victory over Sri Lanka. While Babar’s focus and composure were evident throughout the innings, fans could not help but notice that his celebrations closely resembled those of Kohli, including the sheepish smile towards the dressing room and the symbolic kiss of his locket, reminiscent of Kohli’s 71st international century celebrations.

The comparisons between Babar and Kohli have been ongoing for years. Back in early 2022, when Kohli struggled with a three-year century drought, Babar supported him on social media, stating, “This too shall pass.” That gesture was warmly received, highlighting the mutual respect between the two stars. Today, with Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is, Babar’s journey mirrors the challenges faced by the Indian stalwart, making the recent celebration both a nostalgic and controversial moment in the cricketing world.

Babar Azam’s Century Against Sri Lanka

The second ODI against Sri Lanka saw Babar Azam anchor Pakistan’s chase of 289 with a composed and unbeaten 102 runs. His innings was marked by precise stroke play, judicious use of the crease, and exceptional temperament under pressure. Pakistan’s victory was secured thanks to Babar’s consistency and ability to absorb pressure from Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack.

This century also elevated Babar to the joint-highest century scorer for Pakistan alongside Saeed Anwar, showcasing his standing among Pakistan’s cricketing greats. Moreover, the century was his first since the Men's Asia Cup 2023 and contributed to his record for the most centuries (8) scored on Pakistani soil, solidifying his dominance in home conditions.

Fans were quick to notice the similarities in celebration, noting that Babar’s gestures mirrored Kohli’s famous routine, including the glance towards his dressing room and the symbolic kiss of his locket. These parallels fueled widespread debates on social media about the originality of Babar’s celebration, while also reinforcing the respect and admiration shared between the two cricketing icons.

Fan Reactions: Praise and Criticism

The cricketing community reacted swiftly to Babar’s celebration, with mixed opinions flooding social media platforms. Many fans applauded the performance and celebrated the century itself, acknowledging the difficulty of ending such a prolonged drought. However, a large section of followers criticized Babar for imitating Kohli’s iconic celebration, expressing skepticism and issuing playful jabs about originality.

Despite the criticism, Babar’s achievement cannot be overlooked. The innings was not only a personal milestone but also crucial for Pakistan’s morale and team performance. Observers pointed out that while celebrations may be similar, the cricketing excellence demonstrated by Babar remains uniquely his own. The discussion has sparked a broader debate about the influence of cricketing legends on the next generation of players.

The fan reaction also reflects the larger cricketing culture, where iconic moments are celebrated and scrutinized in equal measure. Celebrations, gestures, and milestones often become symbols of personal identity and national pride, leading to discussions about originality, inspiration, and homage. Babar’s century and the accompanying celebration have now become part of this ongoing narrative.

Historical Context: Kohli and Babar’s Century Droughts

Looking back, Virat Kohli’s 71st international century came after almost three years without a century, ending a dry spell in early 2022. Kohli’s drought had started in a period of immense personal and professional pressure, and his return to form was celebrated as one of cricket’s most remarkable comebacks. His iconic celebration—glancing towards the dressing room, smiling sheepishly, and kissing his locket—became an emblematic cricketing moment that fans remember vividly.

Babar’s journey closely parallels Kohli’s experience. His own century drought lasted over two years and 80 innings, spanning challenging periods for Pakistan cricket. The successful knock against Sri Lanka not only ended the drought but also mirrored Kohli’s actions, resulting in a blend of nostalgia, admiration, and controversy. Cricket pundits and analysts have commented that these similarities underscore the psychological and emotional aspects of batting at the highest level, where rituals and celebrations are as much about personal reflection as public acknowledgment.

Both players’ century droughts also highlight the pressures faced by international cricketers. The prolonged gaps between centuries can affect form, confidence, and public perception, making the eventual milestone even more significant. In Babar’s case, the 102 not out was a testament to his perseverance, technique, and mental toughness, echoing the struggles and triumphs of Kohli’s career.

The Legacy and Mutual Respect

Despite debates over the celebration, Babar and Kohli have consistently expressed mutual admiration for each other. Kohli had previously described Babar as the “best batter going around,” acknowledging his skill, composure, and consistency. Similarly, Babar’s support for Kohli during his century drought reflected sportsmanship and respect, further strengthening their professional relationship and shared legacy.

The celebration imitation, whether intentional or coincidental, has reignited discussions about influence and inspiration in cricket. Young players often draw inspiration from established icons, and gestures like Babar’s locket kiss can be interpreted as a nod to role models while also serving as a personal expression of achievement. Cricket fans continue to engage with these moments, analyzing actions, debating originality, and celebrating milestones.

Conclusion: Babar Azam’s Place in Cricket History

Babar Azam’s 102 not out against Sri Lanka represents a pivotal moment in his career. Ending a lengthy century drought, equaling Saeed Anwar’s record, and scoring the most centuries on Pakistani soil, Babar has reinforced his status as one of Pakistan’s finest batters. The comparisons to Virat Kohli add a layer of intrigue and narrative drama, fueling discussions on social media and among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Ultimately, Babar’s century demonstrates resilience, skill, and consistency, while the celebratory gestures link the present with cricketing history, bridging generations of fans and players. The journey from drought to triumph mirrors the highs and lows of international cricket, emphasizing the human side of the sport. As Babar continues to perform and break records, his achievements contribute to Pakistan cricket’s rich legacy while keeping the conversation about excellence, influence, and inspiration alive in the cricketing world.

Also Read: Australia Suffers Major Injury Setback Ahead of Ashes Opener

« Previous Why Ravindra Jadeja Was Released by CSK for Sanju Samson, CEO told the reason