Babar Azam Shuts Down Virat Kohli Comparisons After PSL Win

Top Summary

• What happened: Babar Azam responded sharply to a journalist comparing his finishing abilities to Virat Kohli after Peshawar Zalmi's last-ball victory in PSL 2026.
• Why it matters: The comparison highlights ongoing scrutiny of Babar's performance in run chases, despite his contributions.
• What changes for people: The incident fuels the debate surrounding Babar Azam's ability to close out matches, impacting public perception.
• Who is affected: Babar Azam, Pakistani cricket fans, and followers of the Pakistan Super League are directly affected.

PSL Victory & Press Conference Clash

Peshawar Zalmi secured a thrilling last-ball victory against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The victory was overshadowed by a post-match press conference exchange.

A journalist questioned Babar Azam about his finishing abilities, drawing a parallel with Indian star Virat Kohli. The question sparked a strong reaction from the Zalmi captain.

The Question That Ignited a Response

The journalist's question centered on expectations and comparisons: "There are a lot of expectations from you… You carry the innings but don't finish games. You're often compared to Virat Kohli… Do you think this comparison is fair?"

Babar, visibly frustrated, interrupted the question. He dismissed the comparison and asserted his record of finishing matches.

'Khatam kar dein aap. Jis wajah se aap sawal kar rahe hain, chhor dein aap....... maine bahut matchesfinish kiye hai, aapko lagta nhii hai par kiye hai.' (Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches)

Babar's Frustration and Finishing Ability

Babar Azam's response reflects his growing frustration with constant comparisons to Virat Kohli. He has faced criticism for his performance in run chases on the international stage.

While previously lauded for consistency, his inability to consistently close out matches has increased scrutiny. This pressure has intensified despite contributing significantly to victories.

Performance Under Scrutiny

Babar led Peshawar Zalmi to their highest-ever successful run chase against Hyderabad Kingsmen on April 8th, scoring 43 off 37 balls. This constituted nearly 30% of the target.

However, a concerning trend emerged in late 2025 and early 2026. Babar recorded four ducks in five T20I chases of 180-plus targets, fueling the debate about his finishing ability.

What to Watch Next

The scrutiny on Babar Azam's finishing abilities will likely continue in upcoming PSL matches and international games. His performance in future run chases will be closely watched and analyzed, impacting his public image and leadership role.