Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Friday said a pep talk by India's cricket superstar Virat Kohli at the start of his career helped him a lot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The titans clash in Pallekele on Saturday in the 50-over Asia Cup tournament, a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both Azam, who remains top of the ODI batting chart, and Kohli have praised each other on various occasions despite the bitter rivalry between the two nations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about comparisons between the two batsmen, the 28-year-old Azam said: "I can't comment on the debate. Let's leave that to (the fans)."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There should be mutual respect. He is older than me and I respect him. I have learned a lot from him," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I have said earlier that when I started (international cricket) I spoke to him and it helped me a lot."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azam did not reveal the details of the chat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli, 34, was seen mingling with the Pakistan players and hugged pace bowler Haris Rauf as the teams trained under the lights on the eve of the big group clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile Pakistan announced their XI, keeping the same team which hammered Asia Cup debutants Nepal in the opener.<\/p>\r\n\r\n