Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has made a name for himself in international cricket, playing a style similar to the one Virat Kohli once mastered. Although Babar Azam’s performance has slightly declined in recent times, you will be surprised to know that after 123 ODI matches, his statistics are better than those of the Indian batsman. While the difference is not significant, Babar Azam is ahead of Virat Kohli at this stage of his career. In this article, we will share all the information and a stats breakdown ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: ODI Stats Breakdown After 123 Matches
After 123 ODIs, Pakistan’s Babar Azam and India’s Virat Kohli have achieved remarkable milestones in their careers. Let’s take a detailed look at their statistics and compare their performances.
Runs, Average, and Centuries: Babar Azam’s Edge Over Virat Kohli
After 123 ODIs, Babar Azam has scored 5,957 runs in 120 innings, while Virat Kohli scored 5,154 runs in 117 innings. Babar Azam’s average so far is 56.73, while Virat Kohli’s average at that time was 52.06. Babar’s highest score is 158, while Virat Kohli’s is 183. Babar Azam has scored 34 half-centuries and 19 centuries, while after the same number of matches, Virat Kohli scored 28 half-centuries and 17 centuries.
King Kohli Rules in terms of Strike rate
Babar’s strike rate is slightly lower than Kohli’s. Babar has scored runs at a strike rate of 88.21, while Kohli’s was 88.92 at this stage. Though the difference is minimal, Kohli had a slightly better rate.
So, after 123 ODIs, Babar Azam is ahead of Virat Kohli. However, the next few years of Virat Kohli’s career were very successful. Will Babar Azam continue to play at this level? It will be interesting to see. Babar Azam is often criticized for playing against smaller teams, but his statistics in ODI international cricket against strong teams like England and Australia are impressive. Virat Kohli also has excellent statistics against these teams.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ICC Champions Trophy:
| Stat | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 13 | 5 |
| Total Runs Scored | 596 | 133 |
| Batting Average | 88.16 | 44.33 |
| Strike Rate | 92.32 | 74.71 |
| Half-Centuries | 5 | 0 |
| Centuries | 2 | 0 |
| Best Score | 91* | 46 |
While Virat Kohli holds the title of the greatest of all time in terms of total runs, centuries, and overall statistics in ODI cricket, Babar Azam is undoubtedly one of the brightest modern-day stars in the format. Each player has carved their niche with their or remarkable skills and achievements. Kohli’s records are a benchmark that sets him apart as one of cricket’s all-time legends, while Babar Azam’s consistency and composure make him a force to be reckoned with in modern-day ODI cricket. Ultimately, comparing these two greats is not entirely fair, as both have defined excellence in their own unique way, leaving their lasting impact on the game.