OPINION: Could The BCCI Drop Virat Kohli Like Babar Azam? Fanney Khan Continued To Believe In Himself Despite A Poor Run Of Form
Kerala News
New Delhi: Star cricketer Babar Azam’s poor form has become a significant issue for him. Babar has been dropped from the Pakistan cricket team for the first time. Few would have imagined the former Pakistan captain facing such a decision, but it has happened. Following Pakistan’s humiliating defeat in the Multan Test against England, the PCB quickly formed a new selection committee, which included umpire Aleem Dar. This new committee took a bold step, dropping a legendary player like Babar from the upcoming two Test matches. The PCB’s new selectors should have shown their decisiveness, making the tough call to exclude Babar without hesitation.
Compare this with Indian star Virat Kohli’s lousy patch when he struggled with the bat, too. Despite his repeated failures, the BCCI didn’t consider dropping him from the team. Even as he continued to struggle, Virat saw himself as invincible.
Focusing on Babar Azam, though his overall Test average is over 54, since 2023, it has plummeted to around 21. Over 18 innings in 9 Test matches, he has averaged just 21 runs. Not only has he failed to score a century, but since December 2022, he has yet to manage a half-century. In the ongoing series against England, Babar scored only 35 runs across two innings on a flat pitch in the first Test in Multan. He managed 30 runs in the first innings and just 5 in the second.
The lousy form became a noose around Babar’s neck
Babar Azam’s poor form became a burden he couldn’t shake off. After being dropped from the team, will Babar use this time to play domestic cricket and regain his form? He will likely participate in the Quaid-e-Azam domestic tournament starting on October 20. The last time Babar played in this tournament was in 2019. Given his stature, often compared to Virat Kohli, Babar’s recent struggles in the ODI World Cup last year and the T20 World Cup this year have been surprising. Despite this, Babar is a player who can find his form at any moment. By dropping him, the PCB has shown that they are willing to make tough decisions, regardless of a player’s reputation. Though the PCB has stated they’re giving Babar a rest, it’s clear that isn’t the case.
Kohli struggled with poor form in 2020 and 2023
Kohli also dealt with a rough patch in 2020 and 2023. Let’s look at Indian star Virat Kohli. He went through challenging phases in 2020 and 2023, with his batting average dropping to 19.33 in 2020 and 28.21 and 26.50 in 2023. During these times, he faced heavy criticism, and some even suggested he should be dropped, but the BCCI never considered it. Despite his poor form, Kohli continued playing, seemingly unfazed by the pressure, as if he saw himself as irreplaceable. Even during these struggles, there was never any talk of Kohli needing rest.
Virat Kohli’s position is enormous
Kohli’s stature in Indian cricket is massive. There is a significant difference between the Indian and Pakistan cricket boards. The Indian board would never dream of dropping a player of Virat Kohli’s’ stature. Even during his tough times, he was consistently selected for every series. He only missed a series when he personally opted out, but the Indian board never considered dropping him due to poor form. It will be interesting to see how the Pakistan team performs without Babar, as he brought valuable experience as a player and former captain. Some might say the PCB acted too hastily in this decision.”
