In the landscape of world cricket, few names echo as prominently as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. These two batsmen, celebrated for their exceptional batting prowess, have often been compared by fans and analysts alike. Recently, former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria shared his thoughts on the ongoing comparison between India’s cricketing legend Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s current skipper Babar Azam. His perspective sheds light on a debate that has gripped cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
Virat Kohli’s record suggests that he is among the greatest batters in world cricket at present. The former India captain boasts an impressive average just short of 50 (49.15) in Test cricket after featuring in 113 red-ball games. Kohli has amassed a monumental 8848 runs, which includes 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries. His remarkable consistency and record-breaking performances have set a high benchmark in the cricketing world.
The 35-year-old former captain decided to retire from T20I format after years of dominating the shortest version of the game. Kohli’s contributions in T20Is are nothing short of spectacular. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament at both the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 and 2016, and shined bright as the Player of the Match in the final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. Over his T20I career, Kohli maintained an average above 50 for the majority of the time, playing 125 games and scoring 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries. His strike rate of 137.04 is particularly noteworthy, reflecting his ability to score rapidly without compromising on consistency.
Kohli’s statistics in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) further cement his status as an all-time great. With 13906 runs at an astonishing average of 58.18, including 50 centuries, Kohli’s record is unparalleled among active cricketers. His longevity and ability to perform at the highest level across different formats have garnered him immense respect worldwide.
Conversely, Babar Azam, although a stellar cricketer in his own right, has not yet matched the longevity and sheer volume of statistics accumulated by Kohli. In 54 Tests, Babar Azam has compiled 3962 runs at an average of 44.
.21, with nine centuries and 26 half-centuries to his name. In T20Is, Babar averages 41.03, having scored 4145 runs at a strike rate of 129.08.
Babar’s ODI figures are impressive, accumulating 5729 runs in 117 games at an average of 56.72, including 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries. While these numbers reflect Babar’s undeniable talent and skill, they are yet to reach the astronomical heights achieved by Kohli over a longer span.
Danish Kaneria, in an exclusive interview with India TV, expressed that comparing Kohli and Babar is “unfair” considering the vast difference in their careers and achievements. Kaneria emphasized that Virat Kohli’s stature as a player is immense due to his numerous accomplishments, spanning all formats and various conditions around the world.
“The media often makes an unfair comparison between Babar and Virat Kohli. Virat has scored an enormous number of runs for India across different formats and in various conditions. He has led India to many victories. He is undeniably a world-class player. There is no comparison between the two,” Kaneria remarked.
Kaneria further suggested that such comparisons might only hold merit once both players have retired from international cricket. He believes it would then be possible to make a more balanced assessment of their careers based on complete statistics.
“You should make these comparisons based on their stats after the players retire,” Kaneria stated, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
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As it stands, the cricketing world continues to celebrate both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam for their extraordinary contributions to the sport. Each player has carved out a unique legacy, inspiring future generations of cricketers. While the comparisons may persist, the admiration and respect for both cricketing talents remain a constant.
