There is an intense debate among then cricket enthusiasts about who is the best player between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Now fans are defending both players for their performances and facing each other on the topic of Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam.
Although Virat made his debut back in 2008 and Babar played his first international game in 2015, the comparison between these two batting greats across different formats is in voice. Both were U-19 stars being looked up to for bigger things. Kohli lifted the ODI World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and the T20 World Cup in 2024 with the men in blue, while Babar’s only international success came in the form of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
In this article, we analyze Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam across formats and find out who has been a better batter in numbers and stats:
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Test tournament stats
The Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate does not favor Babar when it comes to test cricket. Kohli has chased down more than 9000 runs in 31 fifties and 30 hundred in his decade-plus of experience. Babar’s figures fade when compared to his mammoth tally of 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. Babar, however, has scored 4235 runs in 59 Tests at an average of 42.78. Babar has shown potential with 29 fifties and nine centuries in seven years at Tests, but Kohli’s numbers will stand the test of time like no other batsmen.
1. Test Compression of Both Players:
Babar Azam has 9 Test centuries but just one has been outside the subcontinent. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has a better record in different conditions, as he has scored 13 hundred outside the land of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This is a metric indicating Kohli’s superior ability to adjust himself to different styles of international playing conditions.
1. Test Compression of Both Players:
Babar Azam has 9 Test centuries but just one has been outside the subcontinent. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has a better record in different conditions, as he has scored 13 hundred outside the land of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This is a metric indicating Kohli’s superior ability to adjust himself to different styles of international playing conditions.
Virat Kohli | Babar Azam | |
Matches | 118 | 55 |
Runs | 9040 | 3997 |
Averages | 47.83 | 43.92 |
Centuries(100s) | 29 | 9 |
Fifth(50s) | 31 | 26 |
Highest Scores | 254* South Africa (2019) | 196 Vs Australia (2022) |
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Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: One-day cricket (ODIs)
Virat Kohli broke a big record. He drove that 14000 run faster than any other Indian cricketer, faster than Sachin Tendulkar as well. The incident occurred during a cricket match called Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan in a tournament held in Dubai.
Both stats in ODI matches
Virat Kohli | Babar Azam | |
Matches | 299 | 120 |
Runs | 14085 | 5809 |
Averages | 58.20 | 56.95 |
Strike Rate | 93.41 | 88.70 |
Centuries(100s) | 51 | 19 |
Fifth(50s) | 73 | 32 |
Highest Scores | 183 Vs Pak (2012) | 158 Vs Eng (2021) |
As you can see from the table, Virat Kohli dominates over Babar Azam in terms of One Day International (ODI) statistics. The number of matches played highlights the experience of Kohli. As a result, he has scored many more runs. His average is also higher than Babar Azam’s, which indicates more consistency. Babar’s number of centuries and fifties in Tests is also much smaller than that of Kohli.
Virat Kohli Vs Babar Azam: T20s
Now, one can see all the contrasting strengths of the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam T20I comparison. Kohli is even more consistent, scoring at a better average and strike rate. But Babar Azam has explosive power with more centuries. Both are world-class batsmen who adapt to the requirements of the format. While Kohli is all about a steady accumulation of runs, Azam is more about explosive stereotypical innings.
Stats in T20s
Virat Kohli | Babar Azam | |
Matches | 125 | 123 |
Runs | 4188 | 4145 |
Averages | 48.69 | 41.03 |
Strike Rate | 137.95 | 129.08 |
Centuries(100s) | 1 | 3 |
Fifth(50s) | 38 | 36 |
Highest Scores | 122* Afghanistan (2022) | 122 Vs. South Africa (2021) |
Babar Azam vs. Virat Kohli Captaincy Record: Who is the better captain?
Virat Kohli led from the very front, his leadership seeing India rise to the No. 1 spot in the Test rankings and an away Test series win in Australia. He turned around India’s bowling unit to a fearsome pace attack but missed out on lifting the ICC trophy.
In contrast, there were sky-high expectations from Babar Azam’s leadership when Pakistan achieved the number one ODI ranking. He led the team to the T20 World Cup semi-finals and finals but failed to take them over the line. His performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup had been underwhelming and his calling to make bowling changes and tactical decisions were questioned. He gets a lot of criticism for it and he quits the captaincy.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Batting technique analysis
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in particular are masters in the art of bat, yet their greatness will only ever be judged through some of their batting techniques. Statistically mind-bending, Kohli clips the classic technique over the thrilling shot. He has great timing, placement, and situational awareness, and he makes the most of singles and doubles and well-placed boundaries. His cover drive, flick and pull shots, and his play against spin are trademarks of his polished style.
Babar Azam makes use of his footwork to put himself in positions to generate runs off the field. His steady head and shot selection allow him to be very efficient when he does look to play through the “V” and down the ground. It is his straight drives and on-drives, off-drives, and cover drives that are the most effective.
Final Thought
This debate around one being better than the other on Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam no doubt has gained a lot of popularity but is not the most significant debate. As things stand, there is little argument, much less that Babar is better than Kohli. Besides, Babar Azam does not have enough matches under his belt to call it quits. If you look at the major factors, including batting throughout all three formats, current performance and flair factor, captaincy, records, and world popularity, Babar Azam gets completely blanked by Virat Kohli on every front.