Babar Azam and Virat Kohli [Source: X and AFP]Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been in the spotlight after leading Peshawar Zalmi to the HBL PSL 2026 title. The team defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final held in Lahore and lifted the trophy for the second time since 2017.Notably, Babar played an important role throughout the tournament. Not only did he captain the side brilliantly, but he also finished as the leading run-scorer of the season. Babar Azam scored 558 runs in 11 innings and smashed two impressive centuries against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. Because of his excellent performances, he was also named captain of the tournament’s best playing XI.Did Virat Kohli Congratulate Babar Azam?After Peshawar Zalmi’s victory, a screenshot of a tweet supposedly posted by Indian batting star Virat Kohli started circulating on social media. The viral tweet claimed that Kohli wrote:“Champions stuff, @babarazam258. Leading by example. Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi. 🏆”Fakhar Bajwa 🏏 @BajwaKehtaHaii Thank you @imVkohli for the appreciation ❤️❤️ May 6, 2026, 5:52 PM Many cricket fans were surprised and excited to see Kohli apparently praising Babar Azam. Since both players are among the biggest names in cricket, the post quickly gained attention online.However, the reality is very different. The screenshot going viral is fake, and Virat Kohli never posted such a tweet from his official X account.Also Read: Babar Azam Opens Up About His Cricket JourneyWhy Fans Believed The Fake TweetOver the years, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have often been compared because of their batting style and consistency. Both players are known for scoring runs regularly and playing classy cricket shots under pressure.The comparison became stronger in 2021 when Babar replaced Kohli as the No.1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings after Kohli had held the position for 1,258 days. Later, in 2023, Babar also became the fastest batter to score 5,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone quicker than Kohli.Therefore, many fans believed the viral tweet could be real because the two cricketers have publicly shown respect for each other several times.Despite constant comparisons by fans and experts, both players have always shared mutual respect. Babar Azam has repeatedly called Virat Kohli one of the best batters in the world and has even described him as a role model.At the same time, Kohli has also shown support toward Babar in the past. Their friendly interactions on the field and Kohli gifting Babar a signed jersey in 2023 were appreciated by cricket lovers around the world.Babar Gets Irritated Over Kohli ComparisonsMeanwhile, during a recent PSL 2026 press conference, Babar Azam lost his cool when a reporter once again compared him with Virat Kohli. The journalist questioned whether Babar lacked the finishing ability that Kohli is famous for. In response, Babar firmly asked people to stop making such comparisons.He said, “Let’s end this here. Keep such thoughts to yourself. Stop the comparisons and move on. It’s your misconception that I haven’t finished matches.”After enjoying a successful PSL season, Babar Azam is now preparing for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh.On the other hand, Virat Kohli is currently in outstanding form with the bat. The Indian star has scored 379 runs in 9 innings at an impressive strike rate of 165.Also Read: Karnataka Government Issues Official Statement On BCCI Shifting IPL Final From Bengaluru To Ahmedabad
