Babar Azam and Virat Kohli remain two of the most influential cricketers of the modern era. Babar, who captained Pakistan across formats, has earned his place among the world’s elite with elegant stroke play and consistent performances since his 2015 debut. His calm leadership often draws comparisons with Virat Kohli’s fiery and passionate style.
Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has dominated international cricket since 2008, setting benchmarks for fitness, aggression, and consistency. Even after retiring from Tests in 2025, he remains one of the most decorated players, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
This article compares their records and legacies, two icons who continue to define batting excellence in modern cricket.
Overall Career Stats
Let’s look at the numbers that matter – from centuries scored to batting averages, these stats tell the exciting story of Kohli and Babar’s cricket dominance.
Matches Played
Both players have showcased their talent across different formats of the game. Here’s a breakdown of the number of matches they’ve played:
| Player | Format | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | ODIs | 134 |
| T20Is | 128 | |
| Tests | 59 | |
| Virat Kohli | ODIs | 302 |
| T20Is | 125 | |
| Tests | 123 |
Runs Scored
The number of runs scored by a player is a testament to their consistency and skill. Let’s look at the total runs scored by Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in different formats:
| Player | Format | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | ODIs | 6,291 |
| T20Is | 4,223 | |
| Tests | 4,235 | |
| Virat Kohli | ODIs | 14,181 |
| T20Is | 4,188 | |
| Tests | 9,230 |
Averages And Strike Rates
Batting averages and strike rates are crucial indicators of a player’s performance. Here’s a comparison of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli’s averages and strike rates:
| Player | Format | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | ODIs | 54.23 | 87.63 |
| T20Is | 39.83 | 129.22 | |
| Tests | 42.77 | 54.37 | |
| Virat Kohli | ODIs | 57.88 | 93.34 |
| T20Is | 48.69 | 137.04 | |
| Tests | 46.85 | 55.57 |
Career Overview
From their first international matches to becoming national heroes, here’s how Kohli and Babar turned their raw talent into cricket greatness.
1. Virat Kohli
Early Career
Virat Kohli made his international debut for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008. His initial performances were promising, showcasing his potential as a reliable batsman.
Kohli’s breakthrough came during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, where he played crucial innings that cemented his place in the team.
Rise to Stardom
Kohli’s rise to stardom was marked by several key milestones. He scored his first ODI century in 2009 against Sri Lanka. In 2011, he was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Kohli’s consistency and ability to chase down targets earned him the nickname “Chase Master.” He became the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs, breaking numerous records along the way.
Current Status
As of 2026, Virat Kohli remains one of the best batsmen in the world. His recent performances have been a mix of highs and lows, but he continues to be a vital part of the Indian cricket team.
Kohli’s current form shows glimpses of his past brilliance, and he remains a key player in India’s batting lineup.
2. Babar Azam
Early Career
Babar Azam made his international debut for Pakistan in an ODI against Zimbabwe on May 31, 2015.
His initial performances were impressive, with Babar scoring three consecutive ODI centuries against the West Indies in 2016, showcasing his talent and consistency early in his career.
Rise to Stardom
Babar’s rise to stardom has been marked by his consistent performances across all formats. He became the fastest player to score 1,000 runs in T20Is and has been a prolific run-scorer in ODIs and Tests. Babar’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team in all formats.
Current Status
As of 2026, Babar Azam is considered one of the best batsmen in the world. His recent performances have been outstanding, with Babar consistently scoring runs and leading Pakistan to several victories. His current form is excellent, and he continues to be a crucial player for Pakistan.
Batting Techniques
Kohli’s Technique
Virat Kohli’s batting style is a blend of classical technique and modern aggression. Here are some key aspects of his technique and strengths:
- Stance and Grip: Kohli has a balanced stance with a slightly open front foot, allowing him to play both on the front and back foot effectively. His grip is conventional, providing control and power.
- Footwork: His footwork is precise and quick, enabling him to adjust to different deliveries. Kohli is particularly strong on the off-side, thanks to his ability to get into position quickly.
- Shot Selection: Kohli’s shot selection is impeccable. He excels in playing cover drives, flicks, and pull shots. His ability to play along the ground reduces the risk of getting out.
- Temperament: One of Kohli’s biggest strengths is his mental toughness. He thrives under pressure and has a knack for chasing down targets, making him one of the best finishers in the game.
Babar’s Technique
Babar Azam’s batting style is elegant and technically sound. Here are some highlights of his technique and strengths:
- Stance and Grip: Babar has a slightly open stance, which helps him play both spin and pace with ease. His grip is firm yet flexible, allowing for a wide range of shots.
- Footwork: Babar’s footwork is smooth and efficient. He is known for his ability to play late, which is particularly effective against fast bowlers.
- Shot Selection: Babar is known for his cover drives and straight drives. His ability to find gaps and rotate the strike keeps the scoreboard ticking.
- Consistency: Babar’s consistency across formats is a testament to his solid technique and temperament. He rarely plays rash shots and builds his innings methodically.
Training Regimens
Fitness Routines
Both Kohli and Babar place a strong emphasis on fitness, which is crucial for their performance on the field.
- Virat Kohli: Kohli’s fitness routine includes a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. He follows a strict diet and is known for his discipline. His workout regime often includes weightlifting, running, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Babar Azam: Babar’s fitness routine is also comprehensive, focusing on strength, agility, and endurance. He incorporates running, weight training, and specific cricket drills to maintain his fitness levels.
Practice Drills
Both players follow rigorous practice routines to hone their skills.
- Virat Kohli: Kohli’s practice drills include a lot of net sessions where he focuses on different aspects of his game, such as playing short balls, improving his footwork, and practicing specific shots. He also spends time on fielding drills to enhance his agility and reflexes.
- Babar Azam: Babar’s practice routine involves extensive net sessions, where he works on his technique and shot selection. He also practices against different types of bowling to prepare for various match situations. Fielding drills are a regular part of his training to ensure he remains sharp on the field.
Statistical Comparison
Let’s compare these two cricket champions side by side – from Test matches to T20s, here are their most important numbers.
Format-Specific Stats
Test Cricket
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries (100s) | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 59 | 4,235 | 42.77 | 9 | 29 | 196 vs Australia (2022) |
| Virat Kohli | 123 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 30 | 31 | 254* vs South Africa (2019) |
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries (100s) | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 134 | 6,291 | 54.23 | 87.63 | 19 | 37 | 158 vs England (2021) |
| Virat Kohli | 302 | 14,181 | 57.88 | 93.34 | 51 | 74 | 183 vs Pakistan (2012) |
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 125 | 4,188 | 48.69 | 1 | 122* vs Afghanistan (2022) |
| Babar Azam | 128 | 4,223 | 39.83 | 3 | 122 vs South Africa (2021) |
Key Milestones And Records
Take a look at the biggest achievements and broken records that made Kohli and Babar cricket superstars.
Virat Kohli
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs: Kohli achieved these milestones in record time, showcasing his consistency and dominance in the format.
- Most centuries in successful run chases: Kohli has a remarkable record of scoring centuries while chasing, underlining his ability to perform under pressure.
Notable Performances
- 183 vs Pakistan (2012): This inning in the Asia Cup is one of Kohli’s most memorable performances, where he led India to a thrilling victory.
- 254 vs South Africa (2019)*: Kohli’s highest Test score, demonstrating his ability to play long innings and anchor the team.
- 94 vs West Indies (2019)*: A standout T20I performance where Kohli’s unbeaten knock led India to a comfortable win.
Babar Azam
- Fastest to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 ODI runs: Babar Azam holds the record for being the fastest player to reach these milestones in ODIs, showcasing his consistency and skill in the format1.
- Most runs in a calendar year for Pakistan: Babar has set records for the most runs scored in a calendar year for Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is.
Notable Performances
- 158 vs England (2021): Babar’s highest ODI score, where he led Pakistan to a competitive total with a masterful innings.
- 196 vs Australia (2022): A standout performance in Test cricket, where Babar’s near-double century helped Pakistan secure a draw.
- 122 vs South Africa (2021): A memorable T20I innings where Babar’s century guided Pakistan to a convincing victory.
Head-to-Head Comparison
In Major Tournaments
ICC Tournaments
| Player | Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score (HS) | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | ODI World Cup | 37 | 1,795 | 59.83 | 88.20 | 117 | 5 |
| Champions Trophy | 17 | 747 | 74.7 | 89.4 | 100 | 1 | |
| T20 World Cup | 33 | 1,292 | 58.7 | 128.8 | 89 | 0 | |
| Babar Azam | ODI World Cup | 17 | 794 | 52.93 | 85.74 | 101* | 1 |
| Champions Trophy | 7 | 220 | 44.0 | 74.8 | 64 | 0 | |
| T20 World Cup | 17 | 549 | 36.6 | 111.4 | 70 | 0 |
Bilateral Series
| Player | Series | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India vs Pakistan | 13 | 536 | 48.72 | — | 183 vs Pakistan (2012) |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan vs India | 5 | 158 | 31.60 | — | 68 vs India (2022) |
In Different Conditions
Home vs Away
| Player | Condition | Matches | Runs | Average | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Home | 55 | 4336 | 55.58 | 254* vs South Africa (2019) |
| Away | 64 | 4710 | 42.43 | 200 vs West Indies (2016) | |
| Neutral | 2 | 120 | 30.00 | 169 | |
| Babar Azam | Home | 16 | 1590 | 52.94 | 143 vs Bangladesh (2020) |
| Away | 31 | 1880 | 42.75 | 104 vs Australia (2019) | |
| Neutral | 8 | 527 | 40.53 | 127 |
Against Top Teams
| Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score (HS) | Strike Rate (SR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Australia | 30 | 53 | 2,232 | 43.76 | 9 | 5 | 186 | 52.00 |
| England | 28 | 50 | 1,991 | 42.36 | 5 | 9 | 235 | 52.06 | |
| Babar Azam | Australia | 13 | — | 925 | 38.54 | 2 | 5 | 114 | — |
| England | 8 | — | 646 | 53.83 | 1 | 5 | 158 | — |
Expert Opinions
Cricket Analysts
Views on Kohli
- Harsha Bhogle: “Virat Kohli’s ability to chase down targets is unparalleled. His consistency and hunger for runs make him one of the greatest batsmen of this era.”
- Ian Bishop: “Kohli’s technique and temperament are exemplary. He has set a benchmark for modern-day batsmen with his performances across all formats.”
Views on Babar
- Michael Vaughan: “Babar Azam is a class act. His elegance and consistency remind me of the greats of the past. He has the potential to break many records.”
- Nasser Hussain: “Babar’s rise in international cricket has been phenomenal. His technique is solid, and he has a calm demeanor that serves him well under pressure.”
Former Players
Comparisons by Legends
- Sachin Tendulkar: “Both Kohli and Babar are exceptional talents. Kohli’s aggression and Babar’s elegance make them unique in their own ways. It’s a joy to watch them play.”
- Ricky Ponting: “Kohli’s intensity and passion for the game are unmatched. Babar, on the other hand, has a very classical style. Both have their strengths and are crucial for their teams.”
Fan Opinions
Reddit Insights
- On Virat Kohli: Fans on Reddit often praise Kohli for his aggressive style and ability to perform under pressure. Many admire his fitness and dedication to the game.
- On Babar Azam: Babar is appreciated for his elegant batting style and consistency. Fans frequently discuss his potential to become one of the all-time greats in cricket.
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Conclusion: Virat Kohli Still Holds the Edge Over Babar Azam!
In conclusion, both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have left an indelible mark on world cricket, albeit in contrasting ways. Kohli’s fiery intensity, unmatched fitness standards, and record-breaking feats have redefined India’s competitive edge, while Babar’s calm elegance and technical mastery have made him Pakistan’s most consistent modern-day batter.
With Babar retiring from Test cricket in 2025 after surpassing 300 runs in the ongoing World Test Championship, and Kohli bidding farewell to red-ball cricket after a storied 17-year career, their journeys symbolize two sides of cricketing greatness — passion and poise.
As both legends continue to inspire future generations, one truth remains clear: cricket in the 2010s and 2020s will always be remembered as the Kohli–Babar era — a time when two giants from neighboring nations redefined batting excellence.
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