Virat Kohli’s record suggests that he is one of the greatest batters going around in world cricket at the moment. The former India captain averages a shy under 50 (49.15) in Test cricket after playing 113 red-ball games and has scored 8848 runs, including 29 hundreds and 30 half-centuries. These numbers alone set him apart as a stalwart in the sport, but the story doesn’t end there.
The 35-year-old has retired from the T20I format after dominating it throughout the course of his career. He was named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 and 2016, and was also adjudged the Player of the Match in the final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. After averaging over 50 during the majority of his T20I career, Virat finished the shortest format after playing 125 games. He amassed 4188 runs with the help of a century and 38 fifties. His strike rate of 137.04 is simply impressive considering his average and reveals that he didn’t compromise on his scoring rate for consistency.
In the ODI format, Kohli’s numbers are even more staggering. His 13906 runs at a breathtaking average of 58.18, including 50 centuries, stand as a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity. This record is better than any other active cricketer and speaks volumes of Kohli’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
On the other hand, Babar Azam, who is often compared to Kohli, has not even had half the longevity that Virat’s stellar career boasts of. In the realm of Test cricket, Babar has played 54 matches, scoring 3962 runs at an average of 44.21, including nine centuries and 26 fifties. In T20Is, Babar averages 41.03 but has scored his 4145 runs at a strike rate of just 129.08, which falls short when juxtaposed with Kohli’s statistics.
When it comes to ODIs, Babar has accumulated 5729 runs in 117 games at an average of 56.72 with the help of 19 hundreds and 32 fifties.
. While these numbers are impressive, they do not reach the towering heights of Kohli’s ODI record.
Danish Kaneria, the former Pakistan leg-spinner, feels that comparing the two players is not only “unfair” but also misrepresented by the media. In an exclusive interview with India TV, Kaneria expressed his views candidly. “Media makes an unfair comparison between Babar and Virat Kohli. Virat has scored truckloads of runs for India across formats and in different conditions. He has won India many games. He is a world-class player. There is no comparison between the two,” said Kaneria.
Kaneria’s insights highlight the fact that making such comparisons at this juncture is inaccurate. He believes that discussions of this nature would be more appropriate once both players have retired from international cricket. “You should make these comparisons based on their stats after the players retire,” Kaneria added, suggesting that only then can a fair and holistic evaluation take place.
This is not the first time that the cricketing world has seen comparisons between players from different eras or those who have not experienced the same kind of longevity and success. Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket are monumental, with numerous match-winning performances and the ability to deliver under the most challenging conditions. His aggressive style, combined with his consistency, makes him a formidable opponent on the field.
On the contrary, Babar Azam, while immensely talented and having shown flashes of brilliance, still has a long way to go to match Kohli’s extensive record. His career is still unfolding, and with time, he may very well close the gap between himself and the Indian legend. However, as it stands, the stats reveal a clear distinction between the two.
This analysis serves as a reminder to the cricketing fraternity and fans alike to appreciate players for their individual achievements rather than hastily drawing comparisons. Every cricketing great has their unique flair and strengths, and those should be celebrated in their own right.
In conclusion, while Babar Azam is undoubtedly a rising star and a valuable asset to his team, the accolades and records of Virat Kohli place him on a different pedestal altogether. As cricket continues to evolve, the legacies of both players will be written in the annals of the sport, but for now, Kohli’s extraordinary career remains a benchmark for emerging talents.
