Babar Azam is the current captain of the Pakistani national cricket team and widely considered one of the best contemporary batsmen. The right-handed batsman plays all formats and has been a prolific run scorer for Pakistan over the last several years. Babar made his international debut in 2015 and has since become a mainstay in the Pakistani batting lineup across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He is acclaimed for his excellent technique and graceful stroke play. Babar has achieved multiple batting milestones and records in his young career so far, including being the fastest to score 2000 runs in T20Is. He is currently ranked as the top ODI and T20I batsman in the world. Babar continues to be the cornerstone of Pakistan's batting as a world-class performer.
Virat Kohli is a cricketer for the Indian national team and former captain. He currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Delhi in domestic cricket. Kohli is considered one of the best batsmen in cricket history. He holds the record for most runs scored in T20I matches and in IPL play. In 2020, Kohli was named the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Decade.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is unmatched, and often extends to individual player matchups as well.
In recent years, fans anticipate the battle between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam - two of the best batsmen today. They have similarities as top-order captains who excel in chases.
Kohli has compiled impressive career records and is nearing all-time great status. The younger Azam is steadily gaining acclaim as one of the top current batsmen.
Babar Azam Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
49
88
9
3772
196
47.75
6835
55.19
9
26
441
23
ODI
117
114
13
5729
158
56.72
6455
88.75
19
32
520
60
T20i
104
98
14
3485
122
41.49
2714
128.41
3
30
371
53
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
49
8
90
42
2
1/2
21.0
2.8
45.0
0
0
ODI
117
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
T20i
104
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Virat Kohli Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
111
187
11
8676
254
49.3
15708
55.23
29
29
966
24
ODI
291
279
44
13794
183
58.7
14734
93.62
50
71
1290
152
T20i
115
107
31
4008
122
52.74
2905
137.97
1
37
356
117
IPL
237
229
34
7263
113
37.25
5586
130.02
7
50
643
234
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
111
11
175
84
0
0/0
0.0
2.88
0.0
0
0
ODI
291
50
662
680
5
1/13
136.0
6.16
132.4
0
0
T20i
115
13
152
204
4
1/13
51.0
8.05
38.0
0
0
IPL
237
26
251
368
4
2/25
92.0
8.8
62.75
0
0
The Stats Battle between Babar vs Virat
This examination of Kohli versus Azam looks at their stats and records across World Cups, Tests, ODIs and T20Is. It provides a detailed comparison of where these two modern batting stars stand in relation to one another at this stage in their careers.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ODI World Cup
ODI World Cup Record
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Innings
27
9
Not Outs
4
1
Aggregate
1115
479
Highest Score
107
101*
Average
48.48
59.88
50s
7
3
100s
2
1
Ducks
0
0
Scoring Rate
85.51
86.00
Opened Batting
0
0
Catches
16
5
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ODI
ODI FORMAT
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Match
282
109
Inning
270
106
Not Out
41
12
Runs
13168
5414
Highest Score
183
158
Average
57.50
57.59
Balls Faced
14066
6087
Strike Rate
93.61
88.94
100s
47
19
50s
67
28
Fours
1232
488
Sixes
142
56
Catch
147
46
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in T20I
T20I FORMAT
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Match
115
104
Inning
107
98
Not Out
31
14
Runs
4008
3485
Highest Score
122*
122
Average
52.73
41.48
Balls Faced
2905
2714
Strike Rate
137.96
128.4
100s
1
3
50s
37
30
Fours
356
371
Sixes
117
53
Catch
50
42
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in Test Matches
TEST CRICKET
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Match
111
49
Inning
187
88
Not Out
11
9
Runs
8676
3772
Highest Score
254*
196
Average
49.29
47.74
Balls Faced
15708
6836
Strike Rate
55.23
55.17
100s
29
9
50s
29
26
Fours
966
440
Sixes
24
23
Catch
110
36
Babar Azam Vs Virat Kohli: Cricket Career Statistics Comparison
Babar Azam Vs Virat Kohli: Cricket Career Statistics Comparison – Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are two of the top batsmen in modern cricket.
This article provides an in-depth statistical comparison of their careers so far. It analyzes important metrics like batting averages, strike rates, centuries scored, and landmark performances.
The aim is to give a detailed head-to-head breakdown using quantitative measures to evaluate where these two stars stand. By examining key innings and overall consistency, we can get an objective perspective on what separates the accomplishments of these two prolific run scorers.
Article Highlights
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Kohli has a longer international career compared to Babar, with Kohli making his debut in 2008 and Babar in 2015.
Kohli has a higher number of centuries in international cricket, while Babar has shown a commendable conversion rate from fifties to centuries.
Kohli is known for his aggressive approach, while Babar is more composed in his style of play.
Both players have impressive batting averages in ODIs and Tests, with Kohli averaging in the 50s and Babar's average beyond 50.
The goal is to supply fans and experts with a comprehensive look at the numbers that define the careers of these exemplary batsmen at the highest level of the sport.
Early Career Breakdown
The formative years of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in international cricket reveal distinct pathways to their ascent in the sport.
Virat Kohli, breaking into the Indian national team in August 2008, initially showed promise with a confident 12 in his first ODI against Sri Lanka.
His early career was marked by a blend of moderate scores interspersed with the occasional flourish that hinted at his future potential.
His ascent was characterized by a steep learning curve, punctuated by a pivotal 107 against Sri Lanka in 2009, which marked his first international century.
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Conversely, Babar Azam’s international debut came much later, in May 2015, during a one-day match against Zimbabwe. Azam’s entry was noteworthy for the consistency and maturity he displayed from the outset. His first century came during his 25th ODI, against the West Indies in 2016, signaling his readiness for the global stage.
Both players, through meticulous refinement of technique and temperament, carved niches for themselves within their respective teams.
Their early performances were indicative of their trajectories, with Kohli’s aggressive approach contrasting with Babar’s composed style, each underpinning their rise to cricketing eminence.
Batting Averages Comparison
Building upon Kohli’s aggressive and Babar’s composed batting styles, their career batting averages offer insight into their consistency and performance at the crease.
Virat Kohli, with his extensive career, has established a formidable batting average across all formats, reflecting his ability to adapt and excel under various conditions.
As of the last records, Kohli boasts an impressive average in the 50s in One Day Internationals (ODIs), which is often seen as a benchmark for elite batsmanship. In Test cricket, his average hovers in the same range, underscoring his proficiency in the longest format of the game.
Babar Azam, while newer to the international scene compared to Kohli, has quickly ascended to the top echelons of batting rankings.
His average in ODIs surges beyond 50, mirroring the elite threshold that Kohli has maintained. In Tests, Babar’s average is also competitive, illustrating his temperament and skill in adapting to the demands of Test cricket.
When contrasted, their batting averages not only highlight their individual brilliance but also the remarkable consistency they bring to their respective teams.
The slight variances in their averages can be attributed to different playing conditions, oppositions faced, and their roles within the batting lineup, which have shaped their career trajectories and statistical outputs.
Century Tally Showdown
Having compared their batting averages, a further measure of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli’s batting prowess is reflected in their respective century tallies across all formats. Centuries in cricket are a benchmark of excellence and consistency.
As of the knowledge cutoff date, Virat Kohli has amassed a staggering number of centuries, with his tally significantly exceeding that of Babar Azam.
Kohli’s accumulation of centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is particularly noteworthy, and he is often cited as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
On the other hand, Babar Azam, with fewer years at the international level, has notched up centuries at an impressive rate as well.
His conversion rate from fifties to centuries is commendable, indicating a temperament for building substantial innings. In the shorter formats, Babar has demonstrated a propensity to score centuries with a blend of classical stroke-play and modern aggression.
While Kohli’s century count is superior, Babar’s trajectory suggests a potential to close the gap, provided he maintains his form and fitness.
For aficionados comparing these two modern greats, the tally of centuries is not just a number but a reflection of their ability to dominate and influence the game profoundly.
Strike Rates and Consistency
While century tallies offer a glimpse into a batsman’s ability to score big, strike rates and consistency are critical for understanding their efficiency and reliability in various match situations.
Analyzing the career statistics of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, we delve into these aspects to draw a comparative landscape of their performance.
Virat Kohli, renowned for his aggressive batting style, has maintained an impressive strike rate across formats. In ODIs, his strike rate has consistently been above 90, ensuring brisk scoring while keeping wickets in hand.
Conversely, Babar Azam’s ODI strike rate, though slightly lower, has shown a significant upward trajectory over his career, reflecting a blend of calculative aggression and technical prowess.
In T20Is, where quick scoring is paramount, both batsmen exhibit their class. Kohli’s strike rate here underscores his adaptability and precision in pacing an innings, while Babar’s numbers reveal a batsman who can accelerate proficiently without compromising control.
Test cricket, the game’s longest format, demands a nuanced balance between strike rate and patience. Kohli excels with a strike rate that conveys intent without rashness. Babar, still evolving in the Test arena, shows promise with his consistency and growing confidence in pacing his innings.
In essence, the strike rates of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, when juxtaposed, highlight not just their ability to score swiftly but also their adaptability and consistency across cricket’s varied demands.
Clutch Performances Analysis
How do Babar Azam and Virat Kohli fare when the pressure mounts and their teams look to them for match-winning innings? The crucible of clutch performance often defines the legacy of a cricketer, and both these batsmen have had their share of heroic moments.
Here are three key aspects of their clutch performance:
Match-Winning Knocks Under Pressure:
Kohli has been renowned for his ability to chase down targets, earning him the moniker of ‘Chase Master’.
His performances in the 2012 CB Series and ICC tournaments are a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
Babar, while newer to the international scene, has shown similar mettle, notably with match-winning centuries in challenging conditions, like his century against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.
Performance in Knockout Games:
Kohli’s record in ICC knockout games has been mixed.
Babar’s experience in such high-stakes matches is still evolving.
However, Babar’s calm demeanor and technical prowess have seen him rise to the occasion in various high-profile T20 leagues.
Decisive Innings in Test Matches:
Kohli has an admirable record in the fourth innings of Test matches, crafting innings that either lead to victory or save the match.
Babar’s Test career is blossoming, but his hundred against Australia in 2022 indicates a growing aptitude for clutch Test performances.
Analyzing their clutch moments, it is clear that both players possess the temperament and skill to excel when it matters most. Kohli’s extensive experience and proven track record slightly edge over Babar’s rising trajectory in high-pressure situations.
Which Batsman is Your Favorite: Babar Azam Vs Virat Kohli?
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli’s cricketing statistics reveals two distinct yet highly successful batting trajectories.
While their batting averages showcase remarkable proficiency, the century tally underscores their capacity for significant scoring.
The examination of strike rates and consistency highlights their contrasting approaches to run-making. Furthermore, their clutch performances under pressure affirm their status as pivotal players for their respective teams.
Both athletes have carved out exceptional careers, bolstering their legacies in the cricketing annals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do Babar Azam and Virat Kohli's Leadership Styles as Captains Differ and Impact Their Respective Teams?
Babar Azam’s leadership emphasizes strategic field placements and calm demeanor, fostering team coherence. Virat Kohli’s aggressive captaincy style promotes a highly competitive environment, aiming to instill fighting spirit and resilience in his team.
How Have Babar Azam and Virat Kohli's Endorsements and Brand Values Compared Throughout Their Careers?
Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have garnered substantial endorsement deals reflecting their brand value, with Kohli historically leading in commercial appeal, but Azam’s growing influence suggests a competitive market presence.
What Has Been the Influence of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli on the Younger Generation of Cricket Players in Their Respective Countries?
Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have profoundly influenced young cricketers by exemplifying technical proficiency, mental fortitude, and consistent performance, becoming role models for aspiring talent in their respective nations.
How Do the Fitness Regimes and Injury Management of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli Compare?
The fitness regimes and injury management strategies of professional cricketers are critical for sustained performance. Meticulously tailored workout plans and recovery protocols are essential to handle the physical demands of international cricket effectively.
What Are the Philanthropic Activities or Social Causes That Babar Azam and Virat Kohli Are Known to Support or Have Been Involved In?
Both Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various social causes. Kohli’s foundation aids underprivileged children, while Azam’s charitable engagements are less publicized but equally impactful in their respective communities.