PSL 2026 [WATCH]: Babar Azam loses his cool after a reporter compares him with Virat Kohli over finishing ability

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam found himself at the center of attention once again—not for a match-winning knock, but for a fiery exchange off the field. During a post-match press conference in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar reacted sharply to a question comparing his finishing abilities with those of Virat Kohli, highlighting the growing scrutiny around his role as a match-winner.

Babar Azam fails to take Peshawar Zalmi over the finish line

Leading Peshawar Zalmi, Babar played a measured innings against Hyderabad Kingsmen, scoring 43 runs off 37 deliveries while chasing a modest target of 146. The total, though not intimidating on paper, turned out to be trickier than expected as Zalmi struggled to maintain momentum in the miaddle overs.

Babar looked set after getting his eye in, anchoring the innings with calm precision. However, once again, he failed to convert his start into a decisive knock that could have sealed the chase earlier. The match eventually went down to the final ball, with Zalmi scraping through in a tense finish.

While the team secured a win, questions resurfaced about Babar’s approach in chases—particularly his ability to accelerate and finish games under pressure.

Babar loses his calm in the press conference after being compared with Virat Kohli

The real drama unfolded after the match when a reporter questioned Babar’s finishing credentials and drew comparisons with Kohli, widely regarded as one of the best chasers in modern cricket. The question appeared to strike a nerve. Babar, visibly annoyed, dismissed the comparison outright.

“Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you what are your views on the comparison?,” the reporter asked.

Babar brushed down the comparison and reckoned it is reporter’s misconception that he has not won matches for his team.

“Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It’s your misconception that I have not finished matches,” responded Babar.

Babar’s blunt response reflected frustration over recurring criticism and constant parallels drawn with Kohli, a debate that has followed him for years.

Here’s the video:

🚨 BABAR RESPONDED TO A QUESTION ON KOHLI-BABAR COMPARISON 🚨

• Journalist – "Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you what are your views on the comparison?"

• Babar Azam – "Let these things to…

— Abdullah. (@Abdullahh_56)

Also READ: PSL 2026: Karachi Kings captain David Warner charged with drink-driving

Criticism continues for Babar

Despite being one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters across formats, Babar has often faced criticism in T20 cricket. His strike rate, intent during chases, and ability to dominate in crunch situations have all been topics of debate among fans and experts. So far in the ongoing PSL season, Babar has scored 82 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 126.15. While the numbers appear decent, they haven’t fully convinced critics, especially given his relatively low boundary count—just 10 fours and a single six.

Such stats have fueled the narrative that Babar tends to anchor innings without providing the explosive finish often required in T20 cricket.

Also READ: Fans troll Babar Azam for dropping a catch during an ad shoot