In the world of cricket, few rivalries generate as much excitement and debate as the one between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Both players are regarded as two of the best modern-day batsmen, known for their elegance, consistency, and match-winning abilities. While Virat Kohli has been a global cricketing icon for over a decade, Babar Azam has emerged as one of the brightest young stars of contemporary cricket. Their contrasting styles, leadership roles, and career trajectories make for an intriguing comparison.
In this article, we take a closer look at the strengths and statistics of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, and explore why this rivalry is one of the most fascinating in world cricket today.
1. Batting Style and Technique
One of the key aspects that make both players stand out is their batting technique and style.
Virat Kohli is often admired for his aggressive yet controlled approach. He has a wide range of strokes, from drives to cuts to flicks, and his ability to play in all formats makes him one of the most versatile batsmen in the game. Kohli’s hallmark is his temperament—his ability to chase down targets under pressure, especially in limited-overs formats. His aggressive style, coupled with a strong mental game, allows him to dominate bowlers across the world.
Babar Azam, on the other hand, is known for his elegant stroke play, often compared to the greats of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. Babar’s batting technique is compact and classical, with a perfect balance of wrist work and precision. He plays with a calm demeanor and relies heavily on timing and placement. His ability to drive through the covers, especially in the longer formats, has made him a fan favorite.
2. Consistency and Statistics
Both players have been remarkable for their consistency, but their records differ slightly in terms of longevity and impact across formats.
Virat Kohli: A Legacy in Numbers
Virat Kohli’s statistics speak volumes about his consistency and ability to adapt to all formats.
Test Matches: Kohli has over 8,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of 53.41. His ability to perform in tough overseas conditions—whether in Australia, England, or South Africa—has set him apart as one of the modern greats.
ODIs: In One Day Internationals, Kohli has been especially dominant, amassing over 12,000 runs at an average of 59.07. His record of 43 centuries in ODIs places him just behind Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries, solidifying his place as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
T20Is: Kohli’s impact in T20 cricket has been equally remarkable. He has been a key player for India in various ICC tournaments and has consistently scored runs at an average of 52.65, with a strike rate of 138.2 in T20 internationals.
Babar Azam: The Rising Star
Babar Azam’s rise to the top has been swift, and his record shows that he is a player for the future.
Test Matches: While Babar’s Test career is still in its early stages compared to Kohli, he has already accumulated over 2,500 runs at an average of 44.02. His technique and ability to score runs in challenging conditions have earned him praise from cricketing experts.
ODIs: In ODIs, Babar has more than 4,000 runs at an average of 59.00, a figure that mirrors Kohli’s dominance in the format. He has already scored 15 centuries, which is an impressive feat at such an early stage in his career. His temperament in chases and match situations has been exceptional.
T20Is: Babar’s T20I record is equally impressive, with over 2,500 runs at an average of 50.00. His ability to play anchor roles, while also accelerating at the right moments, makes him an invaluable asset in the T20 format.
3. Leadership and Captaincy
Leadership has been a defining aspect of both players’ careers.
Virat Kohli has been India’s captain across formats for several years, and his aggressive leadership has reshaped the Indian team’s identity. Under his captaincy, India has achieved significant success, including a historic series win in Australia in 2021 and reaching the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. His leadership style, though sometimes criticized for its intensity, has been widely regarded as one of the most impactful in recent cricket history.
Babar Azam took over the leadership reins from Sarfraz Ahmed in 2019, and in a short span, he has proven himself as a leader who leads by example. While Babar has yet to win a major ICC tournament as captain, he has consistently delivered with the bat, even in tough situations. Under his leadership, Pakistan has achieved important series wins, and he is widely seen as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s future in world cricket.
4. Impact in ICC Tournaments
Both players have been crucial to their team’s performances in ICC tournaments, but their paths have been somewhat different.
Virat Kohli has an exceptional record in ICC tournaments. He led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Kohli’s record in World Cups, in particular, is spectacular. His consistency in ICC tournaments—whether in the World Cup, Champions Trophy, or T20 World Cup—has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in cricket history.
Babar Azam, while younger, has already shown his potential on the big stage. He was one of the standout performers for Pakistan during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and led Pakistan to a memorable victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches is something that could define his legacy in future tournaments.
5. Impact on Their Teams
Virat Kohli has been the driving force behind India’s dominance in world cricket. His intensity, both on and off the field, has set new standards in terms of fitness, discipline, and skill. Kohli has played a key role in elevating India’s standing as a powerhouse in world cricket, and his contributions as a batsman and captain have been central to India’s rise in the international cricketing arena.
Babar Azam is similarly the central figure in the Pakistan team. His ability to score runs consistently, even when the team is under pressure, has made him the anchor of Pakistan’s batting lineup. As captain, his leadership has shown promise, and many see him as the future of Pakistan cricket. Babar’s calm demeanor and consistent performances are often seen as the perfect balance to the sometimes unpredictable nature of Pakistan’s cricket team.
6. The Verdict: Who’s Better?
When it comes to Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, as both players excel in different aspects. Virat Kohli has a proven, established record and has dominated international cricket for over a decade. His statistics across formats, especially in ODIs and T20Is, are legendary, and his leadership has been instrumental in India’s success in recent years.
However, Babar Azam is quickly rising as one of the top batsmen in the world and has shown immense promise, particularly in limited-overs cricket. His technique, temperament, and growing influence in international cricket point to a bright future ahead. Babar may not have the same longevity as Kohli yet, but his performances indicate that he is well on his way to becoming one of the greats.
Ultimately, this rivalry is one that cricket fans will enjoy for years to come. Virat Kohli has defined a generation of cricketers, but Babar Azam could very well be the face of the next one. The real beauty lies in watching both players thrive, knowing that the sport is richer for their rivalry.
