India’s dominant win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 has once again reignited the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate. The discussion gained momentum after Babar Azam’s early dismissal during the tense chase.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik shared strong views after the match. His comments quickly went viral and added fuel to the ongoing comparison between the two star batters.
Pakistan were chasing a stiff target in Colombo. Babar Azam attempted an attacking shot early in the innings and lost his wicket. The dismissal stunned fans and immediately put Pakistan under pressure.
Speaking post match, Karthik said he was surprised by Babar’s shot selection. He added that a player like Virat Kohli would never attempt such a risky shot in that situation.
Karthik described the dismissal as submission under pressure. He said great players absorb pressure and fight it out rather than giving away their wicket cheaply.
He explained that Kohli would have stayed longer at the crease. According to him, Kohli focuses on strike rotation and controlling the chase instead of taking unnecessary risks.
Karthik also mentioned that Babar Azam is a far better batter than what he showed in that moment. He felt pressure may have influenced Babar’s decision making.
Babar Azam has struggled against India in recent T20 World Cup matches. After his fifty in 2021, his scores have remained low, raising serious questions about his performances.
In contrast, Virat Kohli has consistently dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cups. His iconic innings in T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne remains fresh in fans’ memories.
Karthik further stated that Babar is currently not close to being the best player in the world. His blunt assessment has divided opinions across social media platforms.
The Kohli vs Babar debate has now grown louder again. While some fans agree with Karthik’s views, others continue to defend Babar Azam. However, after another defeat to India, pressure is clearly mounting on Pakistan’s star batter.
