Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: Rankings, Records, Stats And More

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli [Source: @_alinoman, @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

When it comes to contemporary cricket, two names always start intense discussions - Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Kohli, a stalwart of the game with more than a decade of brilliance, has etched his name in cricket’s history. On the other hand, Babar has quickly climbed up and proved that he is not far behind. These two batting geniuses have fans glued to their performances, and it’s no wonder – both can make any opposition tremble.

Let’s take a closer look at their ICC rankings, stats and records.

Current ICC Rankings

Virat Kohli has called time on his T20I career, signing off after India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024. In Tests, he’s sitting at 22, and in ODIs, he’s still solid at 4.

Babar’s rankings? Well, he’s giving Kohli a run for his money. Babar is ranked 1 in ODIs, showing he’s no slouch. In Tests, he’s 17, while he’s holding onto 4th in T20Is.

The rankings tell part of the story – Kohli may have been there, done that, but Babar is right behind him, snapping at his heels.

Career Stats – Runs, Hundreds, and Averages

Kohli’s career stats are a story of absolute domiance. In 118 Test matches, he’s smashed over 9,000 runs with an average close to 48, and in ODIs, he’s a beast with 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18 with 50 hundreds. T20Is? Over 4,000 runs at an impressive 48.69 average.

Babar Azam, though younger in his career, isn’t far off. In Tests, he’s got nearly 4,000 runs with an average of 43.92 from 55 matches. His ODI numbers are remarkable – over 5,800 runs at an average of 56.95 with 19 hundreds. In T20Is, he’s crossed 4,000 runs, averaging just over 40.

Both are scoring machines, but Kohli’s experience gives him that extra edge. However, Babar’s not out of the race, he’s on the fast track to matching some of Kohli’s feats.

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Test Stats

ODI Stats

T20I Stats

Records Galore

Kohli’s record list could fill a book. From the fastest to 13,000 ODI runs to the most hundreds against a single team, he’s got a stat for almost every category. Let’s not forget his unmatched consistency in ODIs with 50 centuries.

And in T20Is, he’s leading the pack with 39 fifties. Kohli’s also known for his partnerships, holding several records for highest wicket partnerships across formats and many more.

Babar, despite having a shorter career, already has his share of records. Fastest to 5,000 ODI runs in just 97 innings. He’s also got a record for the most fours in T20Is.

Kohli’s Experience vs Babar’s Rising Star

Kohli’s top-notch records didn’t come overnight. He’s put in the work, carrying the weight of Indian cricket on his shoulders for years. From hundreds against top teams to series-winning innings, Kohli’s done it all. His records in ODIs and T20Is, especially the fastest runs milestones, are proof of his hunger for runs and his ability to perform under pressure.

Babar may not have Kohli’s years in the game, but he’s catching up fast. He’s already achieved what takes most players years. That ODI number one ranking isn’t just luck – he’s got the talent and temperament. His batting is classic, with a hint of aggression, making him a threat in any format.

Style and Impact

Kohli’s style is aggressive and fearless. He turns up the heat every time he steps onto the field. His classic cover drives alongside a never-back-down attitude, have made him a fan favourite. Kohli isn’t just about the numbers; he’s about leaving a mark.

Babar is more reserved but his calmness can’t be mistaken for passiveness. His strokes are like poetry in motion, and his timing is sublimed. While Kohli thrives on adrenaline, Babar plays with patience and waits for the perfect moment to strike. Both have distinct styles that work, and both are lethal in their own right.

Virat or Babar: Who’s Better?

Deciding the better player between the two is not possible. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. Kohli’s got experience galore and a truckload of records. Babar’s got the talent and is stacking up records fast.

Kohli’s sensational consistency across all three formats of the game is unheard and unseen of but Babar’s hunger is evident. This rivalry is far from over. Babar is here to challenge the King. And for fans, that means more fireworks, more memorable innings, and more thrilling battles between these two greats.

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