Virat Kohli gets Sikandar Raza’s vote over Babar Azam in blunt verdict on Pakist

Sagar Thapa · 31/05/2026 · 4 min read

The Ultimate Debate: Virat Kohli vs. Babar Azam

The modern-day cricketing landscape has been dominated by one monumental debate: who is the superior batsman between India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam? While older generations of fans were accustomed to intense team-based rivalries, contemporary supporters find themselves deeply divided over the individual brilliance of these two master batsmen. The comparison has reached a fever pitch over the last few years, with experts, players, and fans constantly taking sides.

Recently, this debate found its way onto a Pakistani talk show following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza was invited to the show, where he was put on the spot with a direct question regarding his preferred batting partner. His response was both swift and decisive, settling the debate for many onlookers.

How Virat Kohli gets Sikandar Raza’s vote over Babar Azam in blunt verdict on Pakist Television

During the live broadcast, the presenter asked Sikandar Raza to choose between India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam as his ideal partner at the crease. Raza did not hesitate for a second. He immediately answered, “Virat Kohli.”

This candid declaration immediately captured the attention of fans worldwide. It was a moment that proved once again how much respect the Indian maestro commands globally. By picking Kohli over the local hero Babar Azam on a Pakistani show, Raza delivered a blunt but honest assessment of who he believes holds the edge in modern cricket.

The Heartwarming Reaction of the Pakistani Live Audience

Perhaps the most surprising and heartwarming part of the entire incident was the reaction of the live studio audience in Pakistan. Instead of responding with silence or disapproval at the rejection of their national captain, the crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause the moment Sikandar Raza uttered Kohli’s name. This incredible display of sportsmanship showcased that cricket fans in Pakistan appreciate genuine greatness above national and political rivalries.

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Kohli has long been a highly respected figure among Pakistani cricket enthusiasts. Despite being a frequent match-winner against Pakistan in ICC tournaments, his supreme batting technique, work ethic, and passion for the game have earned him millions of admirers across the border. The reaction of the studio audience was a beautiful reminder of how sport can unite people beyond boundaries.

Sikandar Raza: A Player with Deep Roots and Diverse Experience

Sikandar Raza’s perspective carries immense weight due to his unique background and vast experience in international and franchise cricket. Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, the 40-year-old all-rounder eventually moved to Zimbabwe, where he went on to become one of their greatest international cricketers. Throughout his career, Raza has scored nearly 9,000 runs and is on the verge of completing a milestone of 250 wickets across all formats of international cricket.

In addition to his international career, Raza is a well-traveled franchise cricketer. He has been a prominent face in the Pakistan Super League since the 2018/19 season, representing major franchises such as the Karachi Kings and the Lahore Qalandars. In his PSL career, he has amassed 753 runs and claimed 26 wickets. Raza also has experience playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing the Punjab Kings during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, where he played nine matches, scoring 182 runs and picking up three wickets.

Why the Verdict Resonates Across the Cricket World

Raza’s choice adds to a growing list of cricket legends and analysts who continue to favor Virat Kohli over any other contemporary batsman, particularly in white-ball cricket. While Babar Azam has established himself as an elite run-getter with remarkable consistency, Kohli’s unmatched record in high-pressure run chases sets him apart. For an experienced campaigner like Sikandar Raza, the opportunity to bat alongside a player of Kohli’s caliber and mental fortitude is simply unmatched.

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Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.