Follow UsThe on-field rivalry between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is something the fans across the globe rejoice. Considered two of the best batters of this generation, their off-field relationship with that of mutual respect and admiration. Today, Babar is the top-ranked batter in One-Day Internationals (ODI) and the only batter in the top five rankings of every format. While Kohli's form has taken a dip over the years, over the last year or so, he seems to have gotten back to his best.
In an interaction with Star Sports, Kohli reveals the cordial relationship he shares with the Pakistan skipper since they first spoke in the 2019 World Cup.
"The first interaction I had with him [Babar] was during the 2019 [ODI] World Cup after the game in Manchester," Kohli recalled in the interview filmed last year.
"I've known Imad [Wasim] since the Under-19 World Cup, and he said Babar wanted to have a chat.
"We sat down and spoke about the game. I saw a lot of regard and respect from him from day one, and that hasn't changed," Kohli said.
"Regardless of the fact he's probably the top batsman in the world across formats, and rightly so. Performs so consistently, and I've always enjoyed watching him play."
Kohli and Babar will once again come face-to-face when India take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup encounter in Pallekele on September 2. They may also take on each other in the Super Four encounter. On top of that, the arch-rivals will clash in the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 14.