Pakistan’s cricket team suffered a significant defeat to India in the Champions Trophy 2025, extending their winless ODI streak against India since the 2017 final. This loss puts them at risk of elimination from the tournament, which they are hosting. Babar Azam’s poor performance has drawn harsh criticism, including comments from former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, who compared him unfavorably to Virat Kohli. Interestingly, despite the rivalry, Kohli showed sportsmanship by supporting Babar during the match. Pakistan must now win their next game to keep their semi-final hopes alive after a previous loss to New Zealand.
The recent defeat of the Pakistan cricket team against India in the Champions Trophy 2025 has stirred up significant concerns. Pakistan has not secured a single ODI victory against India since their final encounter in the 2017 Champions Trophy. With the latest loss on Sunday, they face the risk of elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025, a tournament they are hosting, right from the group stage. Babar Azam (23, 26b) appears to be under considerable scrutiny as a result.
In the early stages of his career, Babar Azam was often likened to Virat Kohli, but as time has progressed, the disparity between their performances has widened significantly. Following his most recent setback, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticized Babar Azam, referencing Virat Kohli as a benchmark.
“Let’s summarize Virat Kohli a bit. Now tell me, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar, with 100 centuries, and Virat pursues that legacy,” Akhtar stated on PTV Sports.
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (without mentioning any cricketer). You have chosen the wrong heroes. Your mindset is flawed. You were a fraud from the start. You’ve revealed it since the ICC Champions Trophy when you claimed, ‘I have become No. 1 for one and a half days.’ You are not No. 1. You have promoted the wrong individuals.”
Shoaib Akhtar explores performance comparisons with Virat Kohli.@shoaib100mph @ZAbbasOfficial @ImSikandarB #ChampionsTrophy2025 #DilSeCricket #GameOnHai pic.twitter.com/YgMiMkkf71
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) February 23, 2025
Virat Kohli, the Indian batting stalwart, exhibited a touching gesture towards Babar Azam by giving him a pat on the back right before their intense match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday.
The two batting icons were seen sharing friendly words as Babar walked out to bat alongside opener Imam-ul-Haq.
Social media was quick to highlight this warm moment, as photos and videos of their brief encounter went viral. One user commented, “Friendship,” while another remarked, “That’s why we love Kohli.”
Kohli and Babar are currently among the most formidable batters in world cricket, although Babar is experiencing a rough patch.
During India’s 2022 tour of England, when Kohli was battling form issues, Babar posted a supportive picture of them from a match on social media with the message, “This too shall pass.” Kohli was prompt in responding on X with, “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best.”
Earlier in the match, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bat first. India’s main pacers Shami and Harshit Rana went wicketless in their opening spell until Hardik Pandya claimed the first breakthrough by dismissing Babar Azam for a costly total of 23 runs off 23 balls, including five fours. Subsequently, a direct hit from Axar Patel resulted in Imam-ul-Haq’s dismissal for 10 runs off 26 balls.
This match is crucial for Pakistan to maintain their semi-final hopes in Group A after their defeat to New Zealand by 60 runs in their first match in Karachi. Conversely, India kicked off their campaign with a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh.
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