In a candid conversation, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli unveiled the deep-rooted respect he holds for Pakistani batting sensation Babar Azam. Their friendship, fostered under the drizzling skies of Manchester during the 2019 ODI World Cup, has transcended borders and cricketing rivalries, standing as a testament to the camaraderie that can blossom amidst fierce competition.
Kohli's reverence for Babar Azam, regarded as a global sports icon by Pakistan, mirrors the admiration felt across the border. The Indian cricket sensation hailed Babar as "probably the top batsman in the world," underscoring the consistency and brilliance that has marked the latter's performance across formats.
Reminiscing about their first interaction, Kohli disclosed, "The first interaction I had with him [Babar] was during the 2019 [ODI] World Cup after the game in Manchester. I've known Imad [Wasim] since the Under-19 World Cup, and he said Babar wanted to have a chat. We sat down and spoke about the game. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from day one, and that hasn't changed."
The clash between Kohli and Babar has ignited cultural fascination in the ever-engaging India-Pakistan cricket contests over the past half-decade. The friendly comparisons that both nations indulge in have added a unique layer of excitement to their duels. When they met at the 2019 World Cup clash in Manchester, Kohli reigned as the top ODI batter globally. On that day, he wielded his bat with finesse, crafting a sublime 65-ball 77 to steer India to an 89-run victory.
As the years rolled on and Babar entered the prime of his cricketing journey, he ascended to the pinnacle of the sport, particularly excelling in the ODI format. This year witnessed him etching his name in the annals of history by becoming the fastest player to accumulate 5,000 ODI runs, outshining luminaries like Hashim Amla and Viv Richards. Holding an imposing 886 points, Babar Azam currently holds the top spot in the ODI rankings, boasting a considerable lead over the second-placed Rassie van der Dussen with 777 points. Kohli, holding the ninth position with 705 points, still manages to secure a spot in the top ten.
Babar Azam's mastery isn't confined to just the ODI realm. He has stamped his authority in all three formats, securing the third spot in T20Is and the fourth in Test cricket. This distinction cements his position as the only batsman to feature in the top five across all formats.
Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a riveting showdown as India squares off against Pakistan in the group stage of the Asia Cup on September 2nd in Kandy. The excitement doesn't end there, as both teams are set to cross paths again in the Super 4 stage, and fans can mark their calendars for an electrifying World Cup encounter on October 14th in Ahmedabad.
The tale of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam exemplifies how mutual respect and admiration can transcend the boundaries of sport, enriching the legacy of cricket and uniting fans worldwide in their shared love for the game.
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