The comparison of Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli is one of the biggest topics of debate in the cricketing world right now. Even though Virat debuted much earlier in 2008, and Babar only played his first international match in 2015, the comparison between these two batting superstars across the various formats are in voice
Both Kohli and Babar were U-19 stars earmarked for bigger things. Kohli won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Virat and Babar are among the best players in their respective national teams and will be disappointed to miss out on the T20 World Cup trophy. Both will be soon seen in action against Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively. Be part of the thrill and make your fantasy cricket team on Howzat.
Here we compare B. Azam and V. Kohli across formats and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats.
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli in Test Cricket
In Test cricket, Kohli is far ahead of Babar in terms of the matches played and runs scored. He has scored 8340 runs in 108 Tests, compared to Babar’s 3696 runs in 47 Test matches. Although the batting averages of Virat and Babar are fairly similar, Virat has scored 19 more centuries than Babar.
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: Test Comparison
Babar Azam has made 9 hundreds in Tests, though, only 1 of them has come outside the subcontinent. In comparison, Kohli has made 13 hundreds outside the subcontinent of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
| Babar Azam | Virat Kohli | |
| Matches | 48 | 111 |
| Runs | 3733 | 8676 |
| Average | 47.86 | 49.30 |
| Centuries (100s) | 9 | 29 |
| 50s | 26 | 29 |
| Highest Score | 196 vs Aus (2022) | 254* vs SA (2019) |
Babar vs Virat in ODIs
Kohli has scored close to 13000 runs in the ODI format, while Babar became the fastest player to reach the 5000 ODI runs. Babar Azam reach the landmark in 97 innings, breaking the previous record held by Hashim Amla at 101 innings. Virat has hit a staggering 46 centuries in ODIs compared to Babar’s 18 centuries in 100 ODI matches.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ODI Stats Comparison
Fast forward to 2023, Babar Azam is now the number 1-ranked ODI batter in the world rankings, while Virat Kolhi is ranked 8th. Let’s take a closer look at how the stats compare between two of the world cricket’s modern batting greats.
| Babar Azam | Virat Kohli | |
| Matches | 100 | 274 |
| Runs | 5089 | 12898 |
| Average | 59.17 | 57.32 |
| Strike Rate | 89.25 | 93.63 |
| Centuries (100s) | 18 | 46 |
| 50s | 26 | 65 |
| Highest Score | 158 vs Eng (2021) | 183 vs Pak (2012) |
Additional reading: Virat Kohli vs. Rohit Sharma – Batting and Captaincy Comparison, Stats
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in T20Is
The closest comparison we can make between Virat and Babar is in T20Is. As on 25 Apr. 2023, Kolhi has played in 115 T20I games, while Babar has played in 104 T20I games so far. Virat is 1st on the list of highest run scorers in T20Is, with 4008 runs at an average of 52.73 and strike rate of 137.96. On the other hand, Babar is 4th on the list, with 3485 runs at an average of 41.49 and strike rate of 128.41.
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli T20I Stats Comparison
Babar has scored 3 T20I centuries and has a high score of 122 against South Africa. Virat’s highest score in the T20I format is also 122*, which came against Afghanistan in 2022.
| Babar Azam | Virat Kohli | |
| Matches | 104 | 115 |
| Runs | 3485 | 4008 |
| Average | 41.49 | 52.73 |
| Strike Rate | 128.41 | 137.97 |
| Centuries (100s) | 3 | 1 |
| 50s | 30 | 37 |
| Highest Score | 122 vs SA (2021) | 122* vs AFG (2022) |
Virat vs Babar Indian and Pakistan T20 League Stats Comparison
Virat has played in the Indian T20 League since its establishment in 2008. In 16 seasons, he has made 7162 runs at a strike rate of 129.63, including 6 centuries. Babar has played in the Pakistan T20 League for 8 seasons, scoring 2935 runs at an average of 43.80 and strike rate of 124.84.
| Babar Azam | Virat Kohli | |
| Matches | 79 | 237 |
| Runs | 2935 | 7263 |
| Average | 43.80 | 37.25 |
| Strike Rate | 124.84 | 130.02 |
| Centuries (100s) | 1 | 7 |
| 50s | 28 | 50 |
| Sixes | 46 | 234 |
| Fours | 323 | 643 |
| Highest Score | 115 vs Quetta (2023) | 113 vs Punjab (2016) |
Additional reading: T20 World Cup Winners List All Season
FAQs
Who is The Better Batsman – Babar or Kohli?
Overall, Virat is undoubtedly the better batsman among the two. But based on present form, Babar is ahead of Kohli in all three formats. Babar is the current World No. 1 batter in the ODI, No. 3 in T20I format and World No. 3 in Tests.
How many centuries has Virat Kohli in international cricket?
Virat Kohli has scored a total of 76 centuries. In Tests, he has scored 29 centuries, while in ODIs, he has made 46 centuries and 1 in T20Is. Kohli has also scored 7 centuries in the Indian T20 League.
How many centuries Babar Azam have?
Babar has made total 30 centuries across all three international formats – 9 centuries in Tests, 18 in ODIs, and 3 in T20Is.
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