"Shouldn't be mentioned in the same statement" - R Ashwin gives his opinion on Virat Kohli-Babar Azam debate ahead of IND vs NZ 2024 series
Team India spin bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has put forth his two cents on the debate between Indian batting ace Virat Kohli and Pakistan batter Babar Azam in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin has been a regular on the video platform, often offering his opinions about the recent happenings in the world of cricket. In his latest video, Ashwin spoke about the recently concluded India vs Bangladesh Test series and also the first Test between Pakistan and England.
While discussing Babar Azam being dropped from the Pakistan Test squad, one of the guests on the show mentioned Virat Kohli's bad phase and compared it to that of Babar Azam.
Ashwin was quick to mention his difference to that opinion, saying:
"Definitely, if he is given a chance, he will score runs. If there is class, I believe we should end this debate once and for all. First of all, across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn't be mentioned in the same statement."
Adding to that, the 38-year-old said:
"I am really sorry, I rate Babar Azam. He is an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli's credentials are something else. Across terrains, across times, across pressure situations, the kind of heists he has done, no one has come close to doing so in the world of cricket. As far as I know, at this point, if any one comes close, it is Joe Root in Test cricket."
Take a look at the video here:
Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded the Player of the Series for his heroics in the IND vs BAN 2024 Test series
Ravichandran Ashwin enjoyed a great time and was in top gear in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh. Across two games, Ashwin scored 114 runs, which included a stellar century in the first Test at his home ground and picked up 11 wickets, the joint-most for a bowler from both teams.
Ashwin has been selected for Team India's upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on October 16 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.