"Babar Azam has the best technique among all batters" - Former Pakistan player rates modern-day greats
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Zahid opined that Babar Azam is the most skilled batter in world cricket at present. He stated that the Men in Green's white-ball captain's technical prowess is superior to his contemporaries.
However, Zahid reckoned that the likes of Steve Smith and Joe Root are more clever than Babar in terms of game assessment. Speaking on Basit Ali's YouTube channel, here's what Zahid said after being asked to name his top three batters (from 17:07):
"If you ask me skill-wise, it is Babar Azam. Babar has the best technique among all batters. However, when we talk about performances and the knowledge of batting, Joe Root and Steve Smith are on another level. They don't have the kind of ability that Babar has, but they are more clever when it comes to game assessment. I would rank Steve Smith at one, Joe Root at second, and then Babar Azam."
Babar Azam was last seen in action at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The right-hander's leadership came under the scanner after the team suffered a group-stage exit after losing to India and the United States of America (USA).
With 122 runs across four innings, Babar was Pakistan's highest run-getter at the showpiece event. However, he received widespread flak for his dismal strike rate of 101.66.
"I'd rate Rohit Sharma higher than Kohli" - Mohammad Zahid
Mohammad Zahid further added that he rates India opener Rohit Sharma above Virat Kohli. He picked Rohit as the best batter in international cricket.
The 48-year-old emphasized that Rohit is very similar to Inzamam-ul-Haq when it comes to picking the length of the ball. He remarked (18:14):
"Nobody can deny Virat Kohli. However, I'd rate Rohit Sharma higher than Kohli. Rohit is the best batsman in the world at present. He is very courageous against fast bowlers. He is a gifted player. He picks the length very quickly, like how Inzaman-ul-Haq used to do."
Rohit Sharma has been India's standout performer in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The ace batter has registered scores of 58 and 64 in the first two fixtures.