Kohli would never give up: Dinesh Karthik rips into Babar Azam, ends GOAT debate

Dinesh Karthik reignited the Kohli vs Babar debate after Pakistan's loss, calling Babar's shot "submission" and saying Virat Kohli would never give up under pressure.

India’s crushing 61-run win over Pakistan in Colombo has reignited the long-running debate between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, with Dinesh Karthik delivering a scathing assessment of Pakistan’s former captain.

Babar’s dismissal in the high-pressure chase drew sharp criticism from Karthik, who questioned both the shot selection and the mindset behind it. Attempting an aggressive slog early in the innings, Babar perished at a time when Pakistan needed stability rather than risk.

For Karthik, the moment was symbolic.

Speaking after the match, Karthik on Cricbuzz said he found comparisons between Kohli and Babar “a bit unfair” — but used the contrast to underline his point.

“I cannot imagine Virat Kohli playing that shot that early in the innings. That is submission,” Karthik said. “It is not having belief in what it takes to win or how to take your team closer to victory.”

He argued that great players absorb pressure rather than succumb to it. According to Karthik, Kohli would have looked to rotate strike, bat deep and guide the chase methodically instead of attempting a low-percentage slog.