Cricket thrives on comparisons—but not all are created equal. Recently, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan dropped a bombshell statement that’s reigniting discussions across borders: “Virat Kohli had Sachin Tendulkar. Who was there with Babar Azam?”
With this rhetorical question, Azam Khan wasn’t just drawing a line between two modern batting greats—he was spotlighting a deeper narrative about mentorship, legacy, and the invisible scaffolding that shapes champions. This bold remark cuts to the heart of how support systems (or the lack thereof) influence a player’s rise. Let’s unpack the Azam Khan Babar Azam Virat Kohli comparison and what it reveals about cricket’s evolving ecosystems.
In a recent interview following a domestic T20 match, Azam Khan reflected on Babar Azam’s journey, calling him “the backbone of Pakistan cricket.” But then came the twist: “Virat Kohli had Sachin Tendulkar to guide him. Who was there with Babar Azam?”
This remark wasn’t meant as criticism of Indian cricket—but as a tribute to Babar’s resilience. Khan’s point? Babar achieved world-class consistency and leadership status despite lacking a generational mentor during his formative years—a role Sachin played for Kohli in Team India’s dressing room during the late 2000s and early 2010s .
Few mentor-protégé relationships in cricket are as well-documented as that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. When Kohli debuted in 2008, Tendulkar—already a living legend—was still at the peak of his powers. Kohli has often credited Tendulkar for teaching him:
Crucially, Kohli learned by observing—sharing dressing rooms, net sessions, and even World Cup campaigns. This proximity to greatness accelerated his evolution from a promising youngster to a global icon .
In contrast, Babar Azam’s ascent occurred during a turbulent phase for Pakistan cricket. He made his international debut in 2015—years after the retirements of Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Shahid Afridi. While senior players existed, none occupied the singular, mythic status that Tendulkar held in India.
Babar, therefore, had to forge his own identity—often as the only reliable batsman in a lineup known for unpredictability. His technique, temperament, and work ethic appear self-cultivated, honed through domestic grind and personal discipline rather than direct mentorship from a batting legend.
This makes his achievements—consistently ranking among the top 3 in ICC Test and ODI batting charts—arguably even more impressive .
Azam Khan’s core argument goes beyond individuals. He notes that before Babar, Pakistan was synonymous with fearsome fast bowlers—Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and later Shaheen Shah Afridi. Batting was often seen as secondary.
But under Babar’s influence, Pakistan has developed a reputation for batting excellence. Youngsters like Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and even Azam Khan himself now prioritize technical soundness and consistency—values Babar embodies.
Simply put: Babar didn’t just become a great player. He redefined what Pakistani batting could be—without a Tendulkar-esque figure to light the way.
Cricket analysts are divided. Some argue the comparison oversimplifies both journeys—Kohli also faced immense pressure as Tendulkar’s “successor,” while Babar benefited from modern coaching structures and data analytics unavailable in earlier eras.
However, others agree with Azam Khan’s sentiment. As ESPNcricinfo’s Osman Samiuddin notes, “Babar’s rise is a story of individual brilliance in a system that hasn’t always nurtured batters systematically” .
What’s undeniable is the emotional truth in Khan’s remark: greatness looks different when you build it alone.
The Azam Khan Babar Azam Virat Kohli comparison isn’t about declaring one better than the other. It’s a poignant acknowledgment that pathways to greatness aren’t equal—and that Babar Azam’s legacy may be all the more remarkable because he walked his path largely alone. In honoring Babar, Azam Khan isn’t just praising a teammate; he’s calling for greater recognition of self-made champions in a sport that often romanticizes lineage over lone brilliance.
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