Abdur Rauf Khan tips Rohit Sharma as best batter in world, says he is better than Virat Kohli and Babar Azam

Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf Khan has rated Rohit Sharma as the best batter in the world. Khan reckons the Indian captain is better than Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Rohit recently scored a fine knock of 119 runs off just 90 balls in the second ODI against England at Cuttack and played a key role in helping his team chase down 305 runs.

The right-hander has been under the pump for his recent form in Test cricket as he could only manage 31 runs in three matches against Australia. The veteran batter returned with scores of 3 and 28 in the Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Rohit needs another 12 runs to complete 11000 runs in ODI format. Rohit will become the second fastest after Virat Kohli to reach the milestone.

Abdur Rauf Khan said in an interview with TOI, “Virat Kohli has no comparison. His class, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure set him apart. Babar Azam, when in form, is exceptional. But personally, my favourite batsman [batter] is Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit is currently the best batsman [batter] in world cricket. He is way better than Virat and Babar.”

On the other hand, India and Pakistan will take on each other in Dubai on Sunday and Khan said it is always difficult to predict the outcome of the India vs Pakistan game. India holds an advantage against Pakistan in major ICC events but the latter had stunned the former in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

“You can never predict the outcome of an India vs Pakistan match. At this moment, I believe the teams are evenly matched. It’s always a high-pressure game, and it’s not just India and Pakistan — fans from all over the world are invested in this contest. Both teams are strong, so making a prediction is difficult,” Abdur Rauf said.

Rauf reckons it will be an evenly contested game with India missing the services of their gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“A month ago, if you had asked me, I would have confidently said that India had the upper hand with Bumrah in the squad. But now, with his absence, it’s much harder to call. He was instrumental in India’s victories in the last Asia Cup and World Cup,” Abdur Rauf added.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.