The debate between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam continues to stir cricketing discussions worldwide. While Kohli made his international debut in 2008, Babar entered the scene in 2015. Despite the gap in experience, both batters are among the finest of their generations and often find themselves compared across all formats.
Both were standout performers at the U-19 level and quickly rose through the ranks. Kohli’s career is decorated with major trophies, including the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and 2024 T20 World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy—his only major ICC title so far.
Let’s break down their stats across formats to understand who has been the superior batter.
Test Cricket: Kohli’s Longevity vs Babar’s Steady Rise
In red-ball cricket, Kohli’s experience shines through. With over 9000 runs in 118 matches, his impact in the longest format is undeniable. He boasts a higher batting average and has scored more centuries, especially outside the subcontinent, a mark of excellence for any Test batter.
| Metric | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 55 | 118 |
| Runs | 3997 | 9040 |
| Average | 43.92 | 47.83 |
| Centuries | 9 | 29 |
| 50s | 26 | 31 |
| Highest Score | 196 vs Australia (2022) | 254* vs South Africa (2019) |
While Babar is still developing his Test legacy, Kohli has already cemented his place as one of the format’s greats.
ODI Cricket: Kohli’s Era of Dominance
Kohli is in a league of his own in ODIs. He holds the record for most centuries in the format with 51, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. He became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Babar, while immensely consistent, still has ground to cover.
| Metric | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 120 | 299 |
| Runs | 5809 | 14085 |
| Average | 56.95 | 58.20 |
| Strike Rate | 88.70 | 93.41 |
| Centuries | 19 | 51 |
| 50s | 32 | 73 |
| Highest Score | 158 vs England (2021) | 183 vs Pakistan (2012) |
Babar’s ODI numbers are outstanding in isolation, but Kohli’s consistency over nearly two decades gives him a clear edge.
T20 Internationals: A Neck-to-Neck Race
T20Is offer a closer contest between the two. Both batters have crossed the 4000-run mark. Kohli has a superior average and strike rate, but Babar edges him in the number of centuries.
| Metric | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 123 | 125 |
| Runs | 4145 | 4188 |
| Average | 41.03 | 48.69 |
| Strike Rate | 129.08 | 137.95 |
| Centuries | 3 | 1 |
| 50s | 36 | 38 |
| Highest Score | 122 vs South Africa (2021) | 122* vs Afghanistan (2022) |
In T20Is, it’s a battle of styles—Babar’s elegance and control versus Kohli’s calculated aggression and finishing ability.
Franchise Cricket: IPL vs PSL
Franchise cricket gives another dimension to their rivalry. Kohli, a veteran of the IPL since its inception, has scored over 8000 runs. Babar, Pakistan’s top batter in the PSL, has been consistent but hasn’t yet matched Kohli’s explosiveness.
| Metric | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 90 | 252 |
| Runs | 3504 | 8004 |
| Average | 45.50 | 38.66 |
| Strike Rate | 127.41 | 131.97 |
| Centuries | 2 | 8 |
| 50s | 33 | 55 |
| Sixes | 58 | 272 |
| Fours | 486 | 705 |
| Best Score | 115 vs Quetta (2023) | 113* vs RR (2024) |
Kohli’s power-hitting and longevity in the IPL set him apart, while Babar’s consistency and classical technique continue to shine in the PSL.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Generational Batters
While Virat Kohli’s stats dominate across formats, Babar Azam’s trajectory suggests he is on the path to greatness. Kohli’s longevity, ability to perform under pressure, and match-winning contributions across formats put him slightly ahead. However, Babar is not far behind and still has time to climb higher in the cricketing hierarchy.
Ultimately, rather than choosing one over the other, cricket fans should relish the opportunity to witness both these batting maestros in action.