In a rollercoaster of emotions, Babar Azam finally broke his 807-day century drought in the second ODI against Sri Lanka — but instead of universal praise, his post-century celebration has sparked a fresh wave of trolling on social media.
A Long-Awaited Milestone
On November 14, 2025, at Rawalpindi, Babar played a patient, masterful knock of 102 not out off 119 balls, steering Pakistan to a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
That mark was significant on several levels:
- It was his 20th ODI century, putting him level with the legendary Saeed Anwar for most by a Pakistani.
- It ended a long, painful stretch: 807 days and 83 innings without a three-figure score.
Babar seemed genuinely emotional as he reached the milestone — the crowd chanted his name, and he basked in the moment.
But Then Came the Controversy
What could have been a purely celebratory moment took a controversial turn. Fans quickly pointed out that Babar’s celebration appeared to mirror Virat Kohli’s famous 71st-century celebration — particularly Kohli’s gesture of looking toward the dressing room and kissing his locket.
The comparisons were hard to ignore: both Babar and Kohli ended a long century drought of 83 innings, and Babar’s on-field behavior seemed eerily similar.
Social Media Backlash
Unsurprisingly, social media erupted. Here’s a sample of what fans were saying:
- “If copying is an art, then Babar Azam is a Picasso of it.”
- “From trying to speak like Virat, kissing locket … now copied this too. He has nothing of his own.”
- Some harsher voices: “You can never be him, Babar.”
News outlets were quick to pick up the story. Even in his home country, the reaction wasn’t universally forgiving — many Pakistan fans wondered why such a personal moment was drawn into a comparison with a foreign rival.
But Was the Criticism Fair?
There are two sides to this debate. On one hand, people argue that Babar was just being emotional and expressing gratitude, perhaps even subconsciously drawing from a moment he admired. On the other hand, critics claim that Berlin’s repeated nods to Kohli (in celebrations, interviews, or even mannerisms) reflect a deeper lack of originality.
Some points to consider:
- Statistical Coincidence
The 83-inning drought similarity is uncanny, but it’s a matter of numbers. Many players go through form slumps; sometimes, stats align. - Expression vs. Imitation
Celebrating a century is a deeply personal act. A gesture like kissing a locket or looking up could be spiritual, personal, or just instinctual — not necessarily a premeditated homage. - Fan Expectations & Pressure
Babar has long been compared to some of the best in the business. With such comparisons come heightened scrutiny. It could be that fans are simply looking for any reason to reignite debates about his identity and class.
Babar’s Response — and the Bigger Picture
In his post-match comments, Babar seemed grounded. He attributed his innings to faith, hard work, and timing — saying he just wanted to “spend time in the middle” and get the job done. India Today He didn’t directly address the criticism over his celebration.
But the bigger story here isn’t just about a celebration. It’s about how modern-day cricket stars navigate legacy, identity, and comparison. In Babar’s case, he’s not just chasing runs — he’s navigating the shadow of a peer many consider one of the game’s greatest.
