Virat Kohli’s record suggests that he is one of the greatest batters globally in contemporary cricket. The former India captain boasts an impressive average just shy of 50 (49.15) in Test cricket, accumulating 8848 runs across 113 red-ball matches, including a remarkable tally of 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries.
The 35-year-old veteran has since retired from the T20I format but not before dominating it comprehensively throughout his illustrious career. He was named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in both 2014 and 2016, and even clinched the Player of the Match accolade in the final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. Over the course of his T20I career, Kohli maintained an average exceeding 50, concluding his run in the shortest format after 125 games. During this timeframe, he amassed 4188 runs, which included a century and 38 fifties. A significant highlight of his T20I career was his strike rate of 137.04, a figure that complements his impressive average and reflects his ability to maintain a high scoring rate without compromising consistency.
When it comes to ODIs, Kohli’s statistics are unparalleled. With a staggering 13906 runs at an exceptional average of 58.18, he has notched up 50 centuries—more than any other active cricketer, a testament to his longevity and dominance in the format.
In contrast, Babar Azam’s achievements, while commendable, fall short of Kohli’s prolific records. In 54 Test matches, Babar has scored 3962 runs at an average of 44.21, including nine centuries and 26 half-centuries. While his ODI performance is notable, with Babar racking up 5729 runs in 117 matches at an average of 56.72, coupled with 19 centuries and 32 fifties, the longevity and consistency that Kohli offers are yet to be matched by the Pakistani skipper.
In the T20I format, Babar also showcases his prowess by averaging 41.
.03. However, his 4145 runs have come at a somewhat conservative strike rate of 129.08, a notch below the high-octane tempo set by Kohli.
The statistics reveal a clear distinction between the two players, with Kohli standing head and shoulders above Babar in terms of records and accolades. These sentiments were echoed by former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria in an exclusive interview with India TV. Kaneria articulated that comparing Kohli to Babar at this juncture is “unfair,” given the immense stature and contributions that Kohli has made to Indian cricket.
“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,” Kaneria asserted.
Kaneria, who himself had a celebrated international career, further elaborated that it would be prudent to draw comparisons between the two players only after they have both retired from international cricket. “You should make these comparisons based on their stats after the players retire,” added Kaneria, suggesting a more balanced approach to evaluating their cricketing careers.
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While the cricketing fraternity continues to revel in the exploits of both Kohli and Babar, it is evident that comparisons often do more harm than good, diluting the significance of individual achievements by placing them side by side. The essence of cricket lies in celebrating the unique prowess each player brings to the pitch, and both Kohli and Babar have undoubtedly enriched the sport in their distinct ways.
Thus, while Babar Azam continues to establish his legacy, Virat Kohli’s monumental records and unmatched consistency clearly carve a niche that remains unparalleled in modern cricket. The debate surrounding these icons will likely persist, but for now, it is evident that Kohli’s contribution to world cricket stands in a league of its own.
Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close watch as Babar attempts to ascend to similar heights, but for now, the numbers speak in favor of the Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli.
