Pakistan’s limited-overs skipper, Babar Azam has witnessed a meteoric rise in international cricket in the last few years. He has often drawn comparisons with the likes of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Recently, Misbah-ul-Haq said that Babar is close to being in the same league as of Kohli and Smith.

Babar Azam has been the mainstay in Pakistan’s batting unit. He has knocked runs consistently as is one of the main reasons behind his side sitting on the top in ICC T20I rankings. Moreover, the talented young batsman is the only cricketer to be in the top 5 of ICC rankings across formats.

Babar Azam close to Kohli, Smith – Misbah-ul-Haq

He has often drawn comparisons with the modern-day greats like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq once again ignited the debate saying that his ward is very close to being on the same league as Kohli and Smith.

“I don’t like comparisons but Babar is currently very close to being in the same class as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith or Joe Root,” Misbah said in an interview to Youtube channel, Cricket Baaz.

“He believes in the work ethic that if you want to better Kohli you have to work harder than him at your skills, fitness and game awareness,” he added. 

Furthermore, Misbah-ul-Haq, who backed Babar Azam as the skipper in the limited-overs, is confident that Babar will get better with experience. The former cricketer-turned coach admitted that Babar likes to take challenges and has shown positive signs since taking over the baton last year.

“He loves challenges in the nets and on the field. He has really matured as a player and in time he will get better as a captain with experience,” Misbah concluded.