Virat Kohli, Babar Azam remind me of Sachin Tendulkar: Ian Bishop

Ian Bishop, the former West Indies cricketer, reckons that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam can be considered in the league of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Both the Indian and Pakistan batsmen have dominated world cricket over the years. Even as Virat is into his 30s, Babar is slowly, but steadily climbing the ladder.

Over the last two years or, there have been a number of comparisons between Babar and Kohli. The Pakistan batter is currently the number one ranked T20I batsman even as Virat has been ruling the roost in ODI and Test cricket. Bishop put forth his opinions during an Instagram Live session with former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa.

“Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, who in terms of the straight lines, you remember Sachin Tendulkar, there’s a reason why I think he was the best batsman I bowled to as he always played in the straight lines and these two guys (Kohli, Azam) present that,” Bishop was quoted as saying.

Babar is currently busing playing the three-match Test series against England. He is the T20I and ODI skipper after Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed as the captain last year. Kohli, on the other hand, hasn’t played international cricket after the Test series in New Zealand. He is set to make his comeback in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Jasprit Bumrah is a generational talent, says Ian Bishop

Bishop also had words of praises for the young Jasprit Bumrah, who made his debut for India back in 2016. The retired Caribbean is delighted to see the upsurge of fast bowlers over the years.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a generational talent, the ability to adapt to all the formats is brilliant. Kagiso Rabada is someone I find impressive, the first time I saw him was in a T20 match and he was bowling to Kieron Pollard. I am seeing a fast bowling renaissance right now and it excites me,” the veteran added.

Bumrah was the number-one ranked ODI bowler when the year started. However, after he went wicketless in the series against the Black Caps, he lost his top ranking to Trent Boult. He also had injury concerns in the last 12 months or so.