Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are two exceptional batsmen who possess immense talent, determination, and the drive to do better for their respective countries. Both batsmen thrive on challenges and consistently strive to make runs for their teams, but who is the better batsman between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam? Kohli being the King of IPL and Azam Babar, centuries increasing with each match, we have to see who is the better batsman.
However, it is important to note that they belong to different generations; the comparison of these two does no justice to their talent. Virat made his international debut in 2008, whereas Babar debuted in 2015. Therefore, a head-to-head comparison of Babar Azam all centuries and Virat Kohli’s centuries is not going to get us anywhere. Instead, we will explore various aspects to gain a better understanding of these remarkable players.
So, in this article, we will feature a detailed comparison between Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli; who is best in what they do?
Join us as we embark on an exciting and captivating journey.
Let’s dive in!
Well, both batsmen have excellent stats in all formats of the game. They are above-average players, and the stats reflect that.
Here we will compare the stats of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in each format; let’s have a look.
Test cricket is considered the purest form of the game because most batsmen don’t have the temperament required to bat with patience and for long periods.
If we compare two batsmen, Test cricket serves as an important first benchmark.
Let’s examine how Virat Kohli, and Babar Azam compare with each other in the purest format of the game.
Here are the stats:
| Stat | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
| Match | 47 | 109 |
| Innings | 85 | 185 |
| Runs | 3696 | 8479 |
| Avg | 48.63 | 48.73 |
| Hundred | 9 | 28 |
| Fifty | 26 | 28 |
The stats clearly show that Babar Azam is comparatively new to the scene compared to Virat Kohli. Virat has achieved victories in matches like India vs Australia, England, and South Africa, demonstrating his dominance with runs and have scored half centuries and double centuries as well.
While Babar Azam’s total centuries in all formats are catching up with King Kohli, Virat is currently ahead in terms of creating impactful innings.
Currently, Babar Azam holds the prestigious title of being the number-one ranked player in ODI cricket. He took over this title from Virat Kohli with his extraordinary performances on the field. Prior to Babar Azam’s rise, it was Virat Kohli who held the number one spot for more than three and a half years, displaying his exceptional skills and consistency.
Both batsmen bat at number three for their respective teams and contribute heavily to the teams’ total.
| Stat | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
| Match | 100 | 274 |
| Innings | 98 | 265 |
| Runs | 5089 | 13898 |
| Avg | 59.17 | 57.32 |
| SR | 89.25 | 93.63 |
| Hundred | 18 | 46 |
| Fifty | 26 | 65 |
| Best | 158 | 183 |
Overall, Virat Kohli has shown consistency and longevity in ODIs, scoring 46 centuries, just second to Sachin Tendulkar. His runs in this format speak volumes about how good he is, scoring 12898 runs in just 265 innings.
Babar Azam, however, has been making waves in international space by scoring runs at a brisk rate. He has been breaking records set by Virat Kohli and may one day surpass the total runs tally as well. He has been on his way to becoming the best Pakistan batsman of all time.
In the international T20 arena, Virat Kohli has an edge over Babar Azam. Although both batsmen have played a similar number of matches, there is a clear difference in their approaches in T20Is. Here are the stats:
| Stat | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
| Match | 104 | 115 |
| Innings | 98 | 107 |
| Runs | 3485 | 4008 |
| Avg | 41.49 | 52.74 |
| SR | 128.41 | 137.97 |
| Hundred | 3 | 1 |
| Fifty | 30 | 37 |
| Best | 122 | 122 |
As we can see through the stats, Kohli is much better than Azam in T20Is, with a much healthier average and a good strike rate as well in big matches like India vs West Indies, Australia, and Afghanistan etc.
Virat is first on the list of highest run-getters in T20Is, whereas Babar is only fourth on the list. However, it is worth noting that Babar Azam’s performance in T20Is has dipped in recent years, which has reflected in his average.
Both batsmen have been part of the T20 leagues in their respective countries for many years. And the numbers in this format are close between the two most successful batsmen in the T20 format.
| Stat | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
| Matches | 79 | 237 |
| Runs | 2935 | 7263 |
| Average | 43.80 | 37.25 |
| Strike Rate | 124.84 | 130.02 |
| Centuries (100s) | 1 | 7 |
| 50s | 28 | 50 |
| Sixes | 46 | 234 |
| Fours | 323 | 643 |
| Highest Score | 115 | 113 |
Virat has played in the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008 and has accumulated 7126 runs at a strike rate of 130.02, including 7 centuries. On the other hand, Babar has showcased his skills for Pakistan Super League over 8 seasons, amassing 2935 runs at a strike rate of 124.84 and an average of 43.80.
Suggested Read: Fastest Century in ODI Cricket History (Till 2023)
Virat Kohli has been playing for longer than Babar Azam, so it is obvious that Virat is ahead in this regard. However, Babar Azam is catching up fast with Virat Kohli and already has 18 centuries in just 100 matches.
Here are century stats:
Virat Kohli Centuries List
Virat Kohli’s total Centuries: 75
Babar Azam Centuries List
Babar Azam Total Centuries: 30
We can clearly see that Babar Azam is catching up with Virat in this stat.
In this era, Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam, who is the best, is one of the most asked questions among fans and experts.
After looking at all the numbers in international cricket, it is evident that while Virat holds a significant lead, one cannot ignore the rising talent of Babar Azam.
And With time, the Pakistan batter will have to match the consistency of Kohli. Kohli has been the batting mainstay for the Indian team for more than a decade, and that is why is considered as GOAT in Cricket. Babar has been doing the same for Pakistan and is regarded as the best all-format player in modern-day cricket.
Do share your thoughts with us on the comparison of these two stalwarts from India and Pakistan.
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Ans: Well, we can conclude that Virat Kohli holds an edge over Babar Azam at this moment but Babar is catching up fast.
Ans: At the moment, Babar Azam has a total number of 30 centuries in international cricket across formats. He has 18 centuries in ODIs, 9 in tests, and 3 in T20Is.
Ans: Virat Kohli has scored a total of 75 centuries across formats in international cricket. He has 46 centuries in ODIs, 28 in tests, and 1 in T20Is.
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