Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: A comparison between two batting maestros

The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli has become a significant topic of debate in the cricketing world. Despite making his debut much later in 2015, Babar Azam has emerged as one of the batting superstars. On the other hand, Virat Kohli, who made his international debut in 2008, has established himself as a dominant force in cricket.

Both Kohli and Babar were identified as promising talents during their U-19 days, showing great potential for their future careers. Kohli achieved remarkable success early on, winning the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013 with the Indian team. In contrast, Babar’s international triumphs are highlighted by his contribution to Pakistan’s victory in the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli in Tests

In the realm of Test cricket, Virat Kohli has established a significant lead over Babar Azam in terms of matches played and runs scored. With a remarkable tally of 8340 runs in 108 Tests, Kohli outshines Babar’s achievement of 3696 runs in 47 Test matches. While their batting averages are quite similar, Kohli has managed to notch 19 more centuries than Babar. Speaking of centuries, Babar Azam has produced 9 impressive hundreds in Test matches, although only one of them has been accomplished outside the subcontinent. On the other hand, Kohli has an impressive record of 12 centuries outside of the subcontinent, excluding India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100s	50s	Highest Score
Babar Azam	47	3696	48.63	9	26	196 vs Aus (2022)
Virat Kohli	108	8340	48.77	28	28	254* vs SA (2019)

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli in ODIs

As of May 5, 2023, Virat Kohli has accumulated an impressive total of nearly 13,000 runs in the One Day International (ODI) format. Meanwhile, Babar Azam has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the fastest player to reach 5,000 ODI runs, accomplishing this milestone in just 97 innings. This surpasses the previous record held by Hashim Amla, who achieved it in 101 innings. In terms of centuries, Kohli has amassed a staggering 46 centuries in ODIs, while Babar has scored 18 centuries in his 100 ODI matches.

Looking ahead to 2023, Babar Azam has ascended to the coveted position of being the number one-ranked ODI batter in the world, whereas Virat Kohli currently holds the 8th rank. These rankings highlight the contrasting performances and achievements of these two modern batting greats in the realm of world cricket.

Related: Babar Azam last 10 ODI innings

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Centuries (100s)	50s	Highest Score
Babar Azam	100	5,089	59.17	89.25	18	26	158 vs Eng (2021)
Virat Kohli	274	12,898	57.32	93.63	46	65	183 vs Pak (2012)

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli in T20Is

When comparing Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the closest comparison can be made in T20 International (T20I) cricket. As of 25th April 2023, Kohli has participated in 115 T20I matches, while Babar has played in 104 T20I matches. Currently, Kohli holds the top position in the list of highest run-scorers in T20Is, accumulating 4008 runs at an impressive average of 52.73 and a strike rate of 137.96. Conversely, Babar secures the fourth spot in the list, having scored 3485 runs with an average of 41.49 and a strike rate of 128.41.

Babar has achieved three centuries in T20I cricket, with his highest score being 122 against South Africa. Similarly, Virat’s highest score in the T20I format is also 122*, achieved against Afghanistan in 2022.

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