South African Star Picks Babar Azam’s Cover Drive as Best

South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has sparked a social media storm after naming Pakistan’s Babar Azam as the master of the cover drive in a promotional quiz for Sunrisers Hyderabad, part of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) player engagement series.

In the lighthearted pop quiz, Mulder was asked to identify players who excel at specific cricketing shots. For the pull shot, he promptly named India’s Rohit Sharma. When queried about the best cover drive, Mulder, without a pause, declared, “Babar Azam.” The response, delivered with conviction, celebrated Azam’s textbook elegance—a stroke so pristine it could grace an art gallery. Yet, some IPL fans, perhaps hoping for a nod to Virat Kohli or another Indian star, were left dropping their vada pav in dismay.

Mulder’s praise carries weight, given his history with Azam. During Pakistan’s Test tour of South Africa earlier this year, the two clashed in a heated moment when Mulder, frustrated by Azam’s resilience, hurled the ball at him, igniting a fiery exchange that dominated headlines. That Mulder now holds Azam in such esteem speaks volumes about the Pakistani batter’s craft transcending rivalries.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s PR team might wince at the unintended snub to IPL darlings, but Mulder’s candor is a nod to talent over politics. Regrettably, Mulder won’t grace PSL X, leaving fans to wonder if next year might see him bowl to Azam’s cover drive.