The debate over Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli is the top batsman continues to excite cricket fans. Kohli, debuting in 2008, and Babar, starting in 2015, have both made significant impacts in cricket. This article compares their key stats and achievements across Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is to determine who leads the race.
Achievements
- Virat Kohli: Won the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophy in 2013, and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India.
- Babar Azam: Won the Champions Trophy in 2017 with Pakistan.
Test Cricket Comparison
| Statistic | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 52 | 113 |
| Runs | 3896 | 8848 |
| Average | 45.86 | 49.15 |
| Centuries | 9 | 29 |
| Fifties | 26 | 30 |
| Highest Score | 196 vs Aus (2022) | 254* vs SA (2019) |
In Test cricket, Kohli leads with more matches, runs, and centuries. Babar has scored fewer centuries outside the subcontinent compared to Kohli.
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ODI Comparison
| Statistic | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 117 | 292 |
| Runs | 5729 | 13848 |
| Average | 56.72 | 58.67 |
| Strike Rate | 88.75 | 93.58 |
| Centuries | 19 | 50 |
| Fifties | 32 | 72 |
| Highest Score | 158 vs Eng (2021) | 183 vs Pak (2012) |
Kohli has scored more runs and centuries in ODIs and has a higher strike rate compared to Babar.
T20I Comparison
| Statistic | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 123 | 125 |
| Runs | 4145 | 4188 |
| Average | 41.03 | 48.69 |
| Strike Rate | 129.08 | 137.95 |
| Centuries | 3 | 1 |
| Fifties | 36 | 38 |
| Highest Score | 122 vs SA (2021) | 122* vs AFG (2022) |
Both players have similar T20I careers, but Kohli has a higher average and strike rate.
T20 Franchise Cricket Comparison
| Statistic | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 304 | 399 |
| Runs | 10942 | 12886 |
| Average | 43.94 | 41.43 |
| Strike Rate | 129.08 | 134.20 |
| Centuries | 11 | 9 |
| Fifties | 90 | 97 |
| Sixes | 206 | 416 |
| Fours | 1153 | 1144 |
| Highest Score | 115 vs Quetta (2023) | 113 vs Punjab (2016) |
In franchise cricket, Kohli has scored more runs, with a higher strike rate and more sixes compared to Babar.
This comparison highlights Kohli’s edge in most formats, but Babar’s consistency and achievements cannot be overlooked.
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