Kerala’s hard-hitting batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen, 26, does not idolise his namesake, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin. He does not even worship current India skipper Virat Kohli. Kerala skipper and India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is Azharuddeen’s sole focus point.

‘Virat’s at a different level’
“I don’t follow Azharuddin sir. I have watched a few of his videos but I don’t know much about the legend. I have met him thrice and even mentioned to him that my elder brother [Kamaruddin], who is a big fan of his, named me after him. But that’s all. Virat bhai [Kohli] is an icon for all youngsters, but I don’t follow him. He is at a different level,” Azharuddeen told mid-day on Friday.