Former cricketer shows Babar Azam his place with unique Virat Kohli comparison

Steve Smith would never deny a single to Virat Kohli. [Source - @bbl/@bcci/x]

The Sydney derby between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder in the BBL sparked a storm after Steve Smith denied Babar Azam a single before the Power Surge. What followed opened a wider debate on respect, intent, and Babar Azam’s standing in elite cricket circles.

Steve Smith’s decision was tactical and brutally effective. He kept the strike, smashed four sixes in the next over, and justified his call instantly. But Babar Azam’s visible frustration, followed by his dismissal next over, made the moment far bigger than what transpired.

Soon, voices from across the cricket world joined in. Former Pakistani cricketers were divided, and one sharp question stood out: would Steve Smith have done the same if Virat Kohli, not Babar Azam, was at the non-striker’s end?

“Would Steve Smith deny a single to Virat Kohli?” – Basit Ali sparks debate

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali bluntly dismissed the outrage and used Virat Kohli as the benchmark. Speaking in the YouTube channel ‘Game Plan’, Basit claimed Smith would “never dare” deny Kohli a single, because Kohli commands respect through intent, impact, and proven match-winning ability.

“If Virat Kohli had wanted to take this single like Babar Azam, Steve Smith ka 'baap bhi single leta'. You have brought your own value down with your game,” Basit said.

Basit argued Babar invited such treatment through his approach. In modern T20 cricket, value is earned by dominance. Kohli’s reputation in Australia is currently unmatched because of what he has done on their shores, something Babar has failed to do.

Australia’s ruthless cricket culture exposes Babar and Rizwan

Australia’s treatment of Pakistani stars in the BBL has been cold and unsentimental. Mohammad Rizwan being retired out, the first overseas batter in BBL history, highlights the ruthless, team-first mindset that dominates Australian cricket environments.

Babar Azam’s campaign has only strengthened that perception. He arrived with hype but has managed just 201 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 107.48, well below T20 standards, especially in Australia’s fast, flat conditions.

Then Steve Smith’s refusal to give strike chasing 190 against Thunder, was fully logical. He proved it immediately, smashing four sixes and taking 32 runs off the over. Moments later, Babar tried to replicate the aggression and was bowled, adding more to the embarrassment.

Kohli, respect, and the harsh truth for Babar

The uncomfortable truth is that if Virat Kohli were at the non-striker’s end, Steve Smith likely would not have denied that single. Kohli’s record, intent, and dominance in Australia demand automatic respect, regardless of format or situation.

Babar Azam, sadly, has not earned that level yet. As Basit Ali rightly said, unless Babar changes his approach and mindset, such moments will repeat. In ruthless cricket cultures like Australia’s, reputation follows with impact, not with off-field hype.