Virat Kohli has been dethroned from the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI Rankings by Babar Azam. He held the position for 1258 days just one day less than Michael Bevan. The Pakistan captain became the fourth batsman from his country to have claimed the summit position in the ICC ODI rankings. Having previously held the position in the T20I rankings, Azam claimed the top position in the ODI rankings on the back of some brilliant batting performances in South Africa.
Babar Azam who is now 8 points ahead of Virat Kohli reacted to this in an interaction that was released by the Pakistan Cricket Board. He said that after achieving the top rankings in both the white-ball game formats, he aims to do the same in Test cricket.
I will have to perform against the top sides- Babar Azam
Babar Azam said that leading the Test ranking charts is his ultimate dream. He added that Test matches are the real testaments to a batsman’s caliber and reputation. The 26-year-old said he knows that topping the charts in red-ball cricket would require a lot of effort and will have to score runs against the top teams.
“I have also previously topped the T20I rankings, but the ultimate ambition and goal is to lead the Test rankings, which are the real testament and reward to a batsman’s calibre, reputation, and skills. Also, I understand to achieve this objective, I will not only have to perform consistently but more importantly, against the top sides,” Babar Azam said.
Adding further, Babar Azam said that he is also keen on holding his position at the top of the ODI charts but he knows it will not be easy. He is keen to replicate what Sir Viv Richards, former Australian cricketer Michael Bevan, and Virat Kohli did.
“This is another milestone in my career, which will now require even more hard work and absolute consistency with the bat in order for me to hold on to the ranking for an extended period of time, like Sir Vivian Richards from January 1984 to October 1988 and Virat Kohli for 1,258 days”, Babar Azam concluded.
Babar Azam will be seen leading his side in the last T20I vs South Africa on 16th April. Pakistan is leading the series 2-1 and will be hoping to win the last game to seal the deal.
