Babar Azam and Virat Kohli will be forever intertwined as the never-ending debate between modern batting maestros continues, but England leg-spinner Adil Rashid has cast his vote—at least when it comes to one of cricket’s most elegant strokes.
Speaking on the popular podcast Beard Before Wicket, Rashid and Moeen Ali were asked a familiar fan-favourite question: who possesses the more pleasing cover drive, Babar or Kohli?
Moeen diverted the question towards Rashid, the veteran spinner who has bowled extensively to both players at the international level, and Rashid leaned towards the former Pakistan captain.
“Babar’s cover drive,” Adil Rashid said with a smile. Rashid, who has dismissed both players across formats, is in a unique position to compare the two technically. While Virat Kohli’s cover drive is more forceful and full of flourish, Babar Azam’s version is understated, relying on perfect head position and balance—a style that has clearly captivated bowlers like Rashid.
Kohli’s aggressive intent and high-energy presence seem to be at odds with Babar’s calm demeanor and textbook technique, but that has not stopped fans from comparing the two. While fans continue to debate each player’s superiority, both Kohli and Babar have spoken highly of each other over the years.
In the end, cricket may never settle the Babar vs. Kohli debate—but as long as fans are treated to their artistry at the crease, especially through the covers, the sport remains the true winner.
