Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticised Pakistan’s talisman batter Babar Azam after the Men in Green suffered a 61-run loss against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday. Azam was clean bowled for a seven-ball five after he attempted a slog sweep against Axar Patel but could not make any connection with the bat.

After Pakistan’s crushing loss, Pathan said comparisons between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam makes no sense at all as the former is a world-class player across all formats. Pakistan eventually was bowled out for 114 in the run-chase of 176.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam has been struggling with his form and even failed to deliver the goods in the Big Bash League.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “First of all, stop comparing Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Honestly, no one should be compared to him. Virat Kohli is a legend (Virat Kohli baap aadmi hai), an absolute king. Just look at the innings he has played against Pakistan. Take, for example, the 2022 World Cup. Has Babar Azam ever played such an innings under pressure? Sure, you might talk about 2021, when the ball was very wet due to dew, and Rizwan and Babar batted well. But apart from that, tell me, how many times has Babar Azam absorbed pressure, played a long innings, and won a match?”

After Azam’s wicket, Pakistan were left tottering at 34-4 in the run-chase and Pathan said the experienced batter played an irresponsible shot.

“He came in, tried to play big shots, three wickets had already fallen, and then he got out. It was a perfect opportunity for him to bat through the 15 overs, focus on singles and doubles, and play a long innings. Even if his strike rate was 120, no one would have questioned him because of the scoreboard pressure. When three or four wickets fall, you are allowed to play carefully. Focus on singles and doubles, and let boundaries come naturally. Play low-risk cricket and bat long,” he added.

India will next take on the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday.