Want to know who comes out on top when Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli happens? Well, you are in the right spot.
This discussion will highlight how these two iconic players from two neighboring nations are always up against each other or how they perform. So, without wasting a minute, let us dive right in.
Early Life
Babar Azam and Virat Kohl are the hottest duo in the cricket world. With the ODI World Cup approaching fast, the cricketing world can’t stop thinking about the Babar Azam vs. Virat Kohli debate.
Everywhere you see, you will see how sports journalists are pitting these two cricketing giants against each other. But before we start talking numbers, it is only natural that we truly get to know who Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are underneath everything shiny.
Virat Kohli
Born to a Punjabi Hindu family on November 5, 1988 in Delhi. Kohli’s father, Mr. Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. Virat is the third child of Kohli’s household, he has an elder sister and a brother.
Kohli showed a strong inclination for cricket from quite a young age. In the formative years of the Indian skipper, he was seen as a child who was obsessed with everything related to cricket.
His parents said that at the mere age of 3, he was able to pick a full-size bat and would often ask his father to bowl for him.
Cut to 1988, the West Delhi Cricket Academy, or the WDCA, was established. Knowing young Kohli’s fervor for the game, Prem Kohli decided to nourish the talent and arranged a meeting with Rajkumar Sharma.
At First, Kohli did not manage to stand out. But a few weeks later, Rajkumar understood that he had found a gem in the rough. This is where Virat picked up his flair and basics.
Later on, Virat went on to train in a professional cricketing academy. He then went on to become one of the hardest batsmen in history.
Babar Azam
Born in the iconic city of Lahore on October 15th, 1994. Azam’s cricket journey at the young age of 15 when he took part in the under-15 World Championship. Unlike Kohli, Babar comes from a cricketing family.
It is believed that Azam shares lineage with the famous Akmal Brothers. In fact, not many people know this, but he has been a young ball boy at the Gaddafi Stadium.
So, cricket is something that runs in his blood.
When asked about Azam, Kamran Akmal said, “We didn’t have to guide him, he was on his own, but we were supportive all the way.”
Babar Azam is widely regarded in Pakistan as one of the best batsmen, and the number of teams this young man has played for is staggering. Sources suggest that he has been associated with close to 28 teams during his professional career.
Babar Azam is one of the few players of Pakistan who was not affected by the unspoken slump most Pakistan cricketers faced during his career due to political as well as bureaucratic reasons.
He somehow managed to sail through, even though most of his colleagues faced the brunt of the force. Azam is not somebody who is known to have deep insight.
Still, over time, sports analysts have stated that he is somebody who is showing the first few signs of developing a deeper understanding of the game. Therefore, he is a worthy opponent for Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
Stat Comparison
Now, when we are on the subject of Babar vs Kohli, it is only fair that we do it objectively and with the help of stats. These stats will not only let the numbers speak but will also enable us to record everything from a broader perspective.
T20 Internation
The first category is Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam’s batting stats when it comes to T20.
This is a very dynamic format that produces quick results. It is also a great format that allows batsmen to demonstrate their raw explosive power.
Since both of these players are primarily batsmen, it is only appropriate how these two players stand.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
| Virat Kohli | 115 | 4,008 | 52.73 | 137.96 | 1 | 37 |
| Babar Azam | 99 | 3,355 | 41.41 | 127.80 | 2 | 30 |
One Day Innings
The next category that we need to explore is the ODI. This is a category that has been with the cricketing world longer than T20. Therefore, it is crucial that we take note of the statistics of this format.
ODIs are perfect for understanding the tenacity of a batsman and how they can hold the line. This is a lengthier format than T20, but manages to keep the tension high regardless.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| Virat Kohli | 271 | 12,809 | 57.69 | 93.77 | 46 | 64 |
| Babar Azam | 95 | 4,813 | 59.41 | 89.03 | 17 | 24 |
Test Innings
The toughest of all three formats. Test Innings are not like T20 or ODI. It goes on for a fixed number of days. Therefore, batsmen have to hold their ground longer while overcoming the elements.
So, it is a perfect statistic to consider if you want to test endurance, technique, and ability.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| Virat Kohli | 108 | 8,416 | 48.93 | 55.33 | 28 | 28 |
| Babar Azam | 47 | 3,696 | 48.63 | 55.02 | 9 | 26 |
The Verdict
Maybe I am not the right person to pass any judgments on these talent powerhouses any more than I should.
Now, if you do compare the total number of Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli centuries, you will find that Virat Kohli has more centuries.
However, when you compare the overall strike rate of both, you will find that both neck-to-neck. In fact, in one or two categories, the difference is just a few decimal points.
Therefore, it will be one-dimensional if we do a Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli, solely based on the centuries or run.
While he has had a chance to prove his mettle in international cricket for some time now, Babar is still wet behind his ears and has not yet had the chance to prove his dominance.
So, if we make any decisions now, the decision will be very unilateral and biased. But based on the strike rate and overall average of both the players, it is safe to say both of these batsmen are pretty close.
Ending Note
And with that, we have reached the very end of the Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli debate. This was one of the best player battles we have done in a while since both the players hail from nations that have been political as well as sports rivals for a while.
Hence, whenever we are comparing Babar vs Kohli, we are not comparing two pliers. We are doing a ‘Azam vs India’, or ‘ Virat Kohli vs Pakistan’ comparison. Such is the fanaticism surrounding the teams.
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