Picture Credit: Twitter
Ahead of India's Asia Cup 2022 opener against Pakistan, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has hailed the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam as "the current top batsman in the world across format".
The Asia Cup 2022 will begin on Saturday with a match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, while Team India are scheduled to play its tournament opener against Pakistan on Sunday.
Ahead of the Sunday's fixture, Virat Kohli remembered his first interaction with Babar Azam in a chat with Star Sports. Kohli said, "The first interaction I had with him was the 2019 World Cup after the game in Manchester. Him and Imad (Wasim). Imad I have known since Under-19 cricket, we have played against each other and Imad said Babar wanted to have a chat."
"I saw a lot of regard and respect from him and that hasn't changed regardless of the fact that he is probably the top batsman in the world right now across formats, performing so consistently," Kohli added.
The 33-year-old Indian batter also revealed his recent chat with the Pakistan skipper. Kohli said, "I congratulated him yesterday on how he's been playing and told him how amazing to watch it is and I wish him all the best."
India and Pakistan will lock horns against each other on August 28 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, starting from 7:30 pm IST.