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Babar Azam fumes at reporter: "Keep Kohli comparisons to yourself"

Babar Azam reacted with visible frustration when a reporter compared his finishing ability to Virat Kohli's after a PSL match. The Peshawar Zalmi skipper urged the journalist to end such comparisons, calling it a misconception that he cannot finish games. The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny around cross-border comparisons between the two batting stars. Meanwhile, Kohli has begun the IPL season strongly, contrasting with Babar's current PSL form.

Key Points: Babar Azam lashes out over Virat Kohli comparison in PSL

  • Babar Azam dismisses Kohli comparison
  • Urges journalist to end debate
  • Kohli's strong IPL start contrasted
  • Peshawar Zalmi wins last-ball thriller
2 min read

'Keep these things to yourself': Babar Azam fumes at reporter over Kohli comparison in PSL

Babar Azam angrily dismisses reporter's question comparing his finishing ability to Virat Kohli after a PSL match. Details inside.

"Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. - Babar Azam"

New Delhi, April 9

Babar Azam found himself at the centre of a heated moment off the field after dismissing comparisons with Virat Kohli during a post-match press conference in the Pakistan Super League 2026.

The Peshawar Zalmi skipper, who guided his side to a tense last-ball victory over the Hyderabad Kingsmen, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his ability to finish games in comparison to Kohli.

While Babar contributed a measured 43 off 37 balls in the chase of 146, he was not at the crease at the end, prompting the query.

Responding in a seemingly frustrated manner, Babar brushed aside the suggestion and urged the journalist to move on from such debates. "Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches," he said.

The exchange quickly gained traction, once again highlighting the scrutiny surrounding cross-border comparisons between leading cricketers. Widely regarded as Pakistan's premier batter, Babar has often been praised for his consistency, though his approach in T20 cricket has drawn criticism, particularly around strike rate and finishing ability.

So far this season, Babar has accumulated 82 runs from two outings at a strike rate of 126.15, registering 10 boundaries and one six. In contrast, Kohli, now retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, continues to feature in franchise cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.

The Indian veteran has made an immediate impact this season, scoring 97 runs in two matches, including an unbeaten 69 in a successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for his prowess in run chases, Kohli has maintained a strike rate of 173.21 and will aim to sustain that momentum as Bengaluru look to defend their title.

Meanwhile, the PSL match between Zalmi and Kingsmen proved to be a closely contested affair. Hyderabad Kingsmen, still searching for their first win of the campaign, posted 145 after recovering from a precarious 34/4, thanks largely to a fighting 58 from Kusal Perera.

Despite a disciplined bowling effort that stretched the contest to the final over, Hyderabad were unable to close it out. With 14 runs required off the last six balls, Hunain Shah could not hold his nerve, as Iftikhar Ahmed played a decisive role in sealing Zalmi's second win of the season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The reporter was just doing his job, asking about a player's finishing ability. Babar's reaction, while understandable given the frequency of the question, was a bit harsh. A more measured response would have been better for his image.
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Vikram M
Stats don't lie. Kohli's strike rate this IPL is 173, Babar's in PSL is 126. In modern T20 cricket, that's a massive difference. Babar is a great anchor, but Kohli is a proven finisher and chase master. No comparison needed, the numbers speak.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian cricket fan, I respect Babar Azam. But this is the problem when you're the best batter from Pakistan - you will always be measured against the best from India. It's the media's favourite storyline. Hope he lets his bat do the talking!
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Karthik V
Different players, different roles. Babar is the rock of his team, Kohli is the aggressor. Both are legends for their countries. This cross-border rivalry is good for cricket, but the comparisons should be about celebrating both, not pitting them against each other. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰
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Priya S
The pressure must be immense. Every innings he plays, people are watching to see if he's "like Kohli". No wonder he snapped. Maybe we should just enjoy cricket instead of creating these unnecessary debates all the time.

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