Babar Azam Ends Century Drought, Mimics Virat Kohli’s Iconic Celebration
Babar Azam finally ended his long century drought in international cricket, drawing striking parallels with Virat Kohli’s famous 71st-century celebration. The Pakistan captain scored an unbeaten 102 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, helping his team chase 289 successfully.
The timing was uncanny—both Babar and Kohli took 83 innings to end their droughts, with Babar returning to form after 807 days. The right-hander’s celebration mirrored Kohli’s iconic moment against Afghanistan during the 2022 Men’s Asia Cup. Babar, like Kohli, sported a sheepish smile, looked towards his dressing room, and ended the celebration by kissing his locket. Fans quickly noticed the resemblance, sparking social media chatter and playful critiques: “You can never be him.”
The Parallel Between Kohli and Babar
Back in early 2022, Virat Kohli had gone nearly three years without a century, a slump that saw his form dip dramatically. Meanwhile, Babar Azam was piling up runs consistently for Pakistan. Kohli’s struggles prompted Babar to post a heartwarming message of support on social media: “This too shall pass.” Months later, Kohli returned to form, scoring a century against Afghanistan in a T20I, which he celebrated in his signature manner.
Three years on, Babar found himself in a similar position—a long stretch without a century spanning over 80 innings. His return to the three-figure mark brought back memories of Kohli’s celebration, creating an unexpected cricketing parallel between the two captains.
Babar’s Unbeaten 102 Against Sri Lanka
Babar’s innings of 102 runs* came under pressure while chasing 289, showing his composure and class at the crease. The milestone not only ended his personal drought but also cemented his status as a resilient middle-order anchor for Pakistan. His calm demeanor and celebratory gestures mirrored Kohli’s, from the sheepish smile to the locket kiss, endearing him to fans and teammates alike.
Fans React to the Celebration
Despite the admiration for Babar’s knock, fans were quick to comment on the striking similarities to Kohli’s celebration. Social media was flooded with messages, ranging from praise for Babar’s consistency to playful jabs reminding him that replicating Kohli’s style is a tough challenge. The episode highlighted the mutual respect and inspiration shared among top international cricketers.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s return to form, ending a 807-day century drought, is a testament to his perseverance and talent. By echoing Virat Kohli’s iconic celebration, Babar connected past and present cricketing narratives, showing that great players often learn and draw inspiration from one another. His unbeaten century against Sri Lanka reinforces his position as Pakistan’s premier batsman while giving fans a moment to celebrate cricketing excellence across borders.
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