T20 World Cup 2026: 'Kohli would never give up' - Dinesh Karthik slams Babar Azam, ends GOAT debate

Dinesh Karthik opined that Babar Azam's shot to get out against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup clash was nothing but "submission" from the Pakistani stalwart. The former India wicketkeeper questioned Babar's shot selection and temperament after the right-handed batter was dismissed for five off seven balls.

Karthik stated that former India captain Virat Kohli, who Babar is often compared to, would have never given up under pressure.

“I cannot imagine Virat Kohli playing that shot that early in the innings. That is submission. It is not having belief in what it takes to win or how to take your team closer to victory," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Pakistan lost three wickets inside the first two overs in their chase of 176. Karthik mentioned that Babar needed to absorb pressure at that stage instead of playing his shots.

“That absorption of pressure is what makes greatness. Every game cannot be easy where you just come and play a few shots," he added.

While Karthik did criticise Babar for his below-par performance against India, he dissected what could be weighing down the right-handed batter.

“He is better than that,” Karthik said, suggesting the pressure of expectations may be bogging down the former Pakistan captain.

Babar’s recent record against India in T20 World Cups is quite abysmal. Since his unbeaten 68 in the 2021 edition in Dubai, he has managed scores of 10, 14, 0, 13 and 5. Across six matches against the Men in Blue, he has aggregated 110 runs, averaging 22 with a strike-rate of 123.59.

On the other hand, Kohli has bestrided the rivalry. The Delhi batter has amassed 492 runs in 11 T20 encounters against Pakistan at a mind-boggling average of 70.28. His memorable knock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup remains one of the finest chases in the history of the marquee event.

Irfan Pathan urges end to Virat Kohli–Babar Azam comparison

Also Read

Irfan Pathan urges end to Virat Kohli–Babar Azam comparison

India eventually won the match by 61 runs on Sunday to book their place in the Super-Eight stage of the tournament. On the other hand, Pakistan will need to beat Namibia to progress to that phase.