'King bolna zara band karei' - Babar Azam indirectly asks reporters and fans not to compare him with Virat Kohli

Babar Azam asked the fans to reduce labeling him as 'King' in an interview after the match between Pakistan and South Africa in the ongoing tri-series. The star batter felt he was not a King and indirectly asked the reporters and the fans to stop comparing him with Virat Kohli. Azam addressed the change in his batting role in Pakistan.

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The reporters addressed Babar as 'King' and asked him to give his opinion on Pakistan's win over South Africa. Babar wanted the fans to not address him as the 'King' and claimed he was not one. He addressed his new role in the Pakistani lineup and felt there was a need for him to focus on the same.

Watch Babar Azam asking the fans and the reporters to not label him as the 'King' here -

Babar ap please ye nhi Kaho You were You Are And You Will Always Remain A King For Us Babar Don't Get Disappointed With Anything We Had A Strong Beleive In You And Your Capabilities That You Will Make A Strong Comeback Very Soon inshAllah 🤲❤️🥹#BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/YaTR60iKmM

— iqra 👑 (@iqra61087609) February 13, 2025

"Pehli baat toh yeh hai king king bolna zara kam karein. Main koi king nahin hoon. Ab mere liye naye role hain (I want to request to everyone not to call me king. I'm not any king and I want to focus on my new role)," said Babar Azam to the reporters and the fans.

Babar Azam's poor form and change of roles

Babar has been often labeled as the 'King' by many Pakistani fans and reporters. The original name was given to Virat by certain fans and reporters for his nature and success in cricket. The rivalry between the fan bases of the two cricketers has grown over the years and it might have gotten under Azam's skin.

In the last couple of years, Babar has not been at his best as a batter. The period has been worse for the star batter as he dropped from the team and was given a different role. Babar, a natural number 3, has been batting as an opener in all formats.

Azam was an opener only in T20Is before his numbers went down in the longer formats. He was asked to open in the series against South Africa in both Tests and ODIs. Azam felt he had to focus on the new role to help his team. Babar's statement has gone viral on social media platforms.