Highly-rated Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has shrugged off comparisons with Indian batting star Virat Kohli by saying his playing style is different than the batsman from across the border.

The right-handed batsman, who has been compared to Kohli by many including Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, said he is solely concentrating on doing well for his national team. The 22-year-old, who showed his immense potential by scoring three consecutive ODI centuries against the West Indies last year, has scored 1,168 runs at an impressive average of over 53 in the ODIs.

“I am different and Kohli is different,” said Babar in response to a question from the journalist outside the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. “My focus is on delivering for Pakistan and that’s my main objective.”

Pakistan have a new One-Day International captain in the form of Sarfraz Ahmed after Azhar Ali stepped down from the role earlier this year following some dismal performances in the 50-over format. When Babar was asked about the mood in the dressing room, he said everything is fine before adding the team is now focusing on improving their rankings in the ODIs.

Currently placed eighth in the ODI rankings, Pakistan is in danger of failing to qualify directly for the 2019 One-Day International (ODI) World Cup in England. They have 89 ranking points – two behind seventh-ranked Bangladesh and five ahead of the ninth-ranked West Indies.

“The team’s atmosphere was and still is very good. Meanwhile, as a team, our focus is to improve our rankings in the ODI format, where we are number eight,” he concluded.