Former Pakistan pacer Abdur Rauf Khan believes Rohit Sharma surpasses both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in world cricket today.
February 18, 2025: Ex-Pakistan Pacer Chooses Rohit Sharma Over Kohli & Babar in Stunning Verdict
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin on February 19, the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 in Dubai has reignited the age-old debate—Virat Kohli vs. Babar Azam. While fans have long argued over who is the better batter, former Pakistan pacer Abdur Rauf Khan offered a surprising take, stating that neither Kohli nor Babar are currently the best. Instead, he believes India’s captain Rohit Sharma is the finest batter in the world today.
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“Both are great players, but in my opinion, Virat Kohli has no comparison. His class, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure set him apart. Babar Azam, when in form, is exceptional. But personally, my favorite batsman is Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit is currently the best batter in world cricket. He is way better than Virat and Babar,” Rauf told Times of India.
Rauf Picks Key Players for India & Pakistan in Champions Trophy
Discussing potential game-changers for the Champions Trophy, Rauf picked Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma as India’s key players, while naming Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah as Pakistan’s biggest threats.
🟢 From India:
- Rohit Sharma – Experience in high-pressure games
- Hardik Pandya – A match-winner with both bat and ball
⚪ From Pakistan:
- Mohammad Rizwan – Consistently performs well against India
- Naseem Shah – The most consistent bowler in Pakistan’s lineup
Rauf surprisingly omitted Shaheen Afridi from his list, citing the pacer’s post-injury struggles.
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“Shaheen Afridi Not the Same Bowler After Injury”
When asked why Shaheen Afridi was missing from his picks, Rauf explained that the fast bowler hasn’t been at his best since his knee injury.
“A couple of years ago, I would have definitely included Shaheen Afridi. At his peak, he was one of the best, regularly bowling at 145+ kmph with beautiful swing. But since his knee injury, his pace has dropped to 134-135 kmph, and he isn’t swinging the ball as effectively. His bowling action has also changed, affecting his ability to take early wickets.”
Rauf added that while Shaheen once troubled top batters like Rohit Sharma, he now seems to be struggling, making Naseem Shah Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler at the moment.
India vs Pakistan: The Ultimate Battle Awaits
The India-Pakistan encounter on February 23 will see Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan in action, all hoping to deliver a match-winning performance. While Rauf’s comments may stir debate among fans, the real test will unfold on the field when these cricketing giants face off in Dubai.
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Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, India vs Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Hardik Pandya, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Cricket News, Cricket Debates