Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shahzad has attributed Babar Azam’s recent slump to persistent comparisons with Indian star Virat Kohli. Shahzad highlighted that Babar, once lauded as one of the finest batters in the world, has been unable to reproduce his peak form, particularly in T20Is, and is now struggling to cement his place in the side. In the ongoing West Indies series, Babar managed only 0 and 9 in the second and third T20Is, underscoring his inconsistent run. Shahzad noted that while comparisons were rampant during Babar’s rise, they became counterproductive once performances declined. He remarked, Speaking to GeoSuper, “When everything was going well, you were running campaigns comparing players. Now that the performances are not coming, you are saying ‘don’t compare two players’. Why not? Virat Kohli’s comparison cannot be made with anyone in the world. He is a legend of this generation, a role model. You cannot compare him even with MS Dhoni. Dhoni may have been a great captain, but as a batter, cricketer, and athlete, Kohli stands alone. No one should be compared with anyone because it’s unfair and it adds extra pressure, which we are now seeing on Babar Azam." Read aslo: ICC Penalizes South African Star for Rule Breach in 2nd T20I vs AUS Babar Azam Seeks Form Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Babar’s last century came during the Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal, when he scored 151 off 131 balls. Since then, he has failed to reach three figures in 72 innings across formats, accumulating 2,139 runs at an average of 31.45, including 18 fifties. In Tests, he has managed 590 runs from 25 innings at an average of 23.60 since his last century against New Zealand in December 2022. The former ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2022, Babar’s career trajectory has slowed noticeably, with analysts and fans expressing concern over his diminishing consistency. Reports indicate he is working towards regaining form ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, especially in the T20 format where he has seen fluctuating success. As Pakistan prepares for the tournament, the team and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the captain can overcome the pressure and rediscover the touch that once made him a leading figure in world cricket. Shahzad’s comments underline a broader debate on the impact of comparisons in sports and the mental toll they impose on high-profile athletes like Babar Azam.