India’s ace spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on October 15 lauded Pakistan debutant Kamran Ghulam for soaking up the pressure and scoring a century at Multan Cricket Stadium after replacing Babar Azam in the side. Batting at no.4, Ghulam became the first Pakistan batter to score a century against England on debut.
“With all the talk about”Babar” spare a thought for Kamran Ghulam, walks into a storm and makes a hundred,” Ashwin wrote on his X account.
Ghulam’s impactful knock
Ghulam walked in to bat in the 10th over after opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood were dismissed by left-arm spinner Jack Leach with the new ball. Ghulam shared a 149-run partnership for the third wicket with opener Saim Ayub who scored 77 runs from 160 balls. Ghulam scored 118 runs from 224 balls including 11 fours and a six. He was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir towards the end of Day 1's play.
Ashwin on comparisons between Kohli and Babar
Earlier, Ashwin was asked on his YouTube channel about comparisons between his teammate Virat Kohli and former Pakistan captain Babar. Ashwin feels that the two shouldn't even be mentioned in the same statement.
"Definitely, if he is given a chance, he will score runs. If there is class, I believe we should end this debate once and for all. First of all, across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn't be mentioned in the same statement," Ashwin opined.
Ashwin did not belittle Babar's achievements but rates Kohli much higher for his ability to handle pressure situations and win the game for the side. He believes England's in-form Joe Root is the closest to Kohli in the current era.
"I am really sorry, I rate Babar Azam. He is an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli's credentials are something else. Across terrains, across times, across pressure situations, the kind of heists he has done, no one has come close to doing so in the world of cricket. As far as I know, at this point, if any one comes close, it is Joe Root in Test cricket," Ashwin added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has said that Babar along with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi have not been dropped but rested.
