Meanwhile, Babar has rapidly risen through the ranks, proving that he’s not far behind.
Both are masters of the game, capable of dismantling any bowling attack and keeping fans glued to every innings they play.
ICC Rankings Overview
Virat Kohli has stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title. Currently, he sits 22nd in Tests and 4th in ODIs — still among the world’s best.
Babar Azam, on the other hand, continues to shine. He holds the No. 1 spot in ODIs, ranks 17th in Tests, and sits 4th in T20Is — showing that the gap between him and Kohli is narrowing fast.
| Format | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 22 | 17 |
| ODI | 4 | 1 |
| T20I | Retired | 4 |
Career Stats: Runs, Averages & Hundreds
Kohli’s career is a testament to consistency and class.
- Tests: 118 matches, 9,040 runs, avg. 47.83, 29 hundreds
- ODIs: 295 matches, 13,906 runs, avg. 58.18, 50 hundreds
- T20Is: 125 matches, 4,188 runs, avg. 48.69, 1 hundred
Babar Azam, though younger, already boasts elite numbers.
- Tests: 55 matches, 3,997 runs, avg. 43.92, 9 hundreds
- ODIs: 120 matches, 5,809 runs, avg. 56.95, 19 hundreds
- T20Is: 126 matches, 4,192 runs, avg. 40.30, 3 hundreds
Both are run machines — Kohli’s experience gives him the edge, but Babar’s upward trajectory is undeniable.
Records and Milestones
Virat Kohli’s record book is legendary:
- Fastest to 13,000 ODI runs
- Most ODI hundreds (50)
- Most T20I fifties (39)
- Countless match-winning innings and partnerships across formats
Babar Azam’s records speak volumes too:
- Fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings)
- Most fours in T20Is
- Youngest captain to achieve top ICC ODI ranking
Experience vs Rising Star
Kohli’s success didn’t happen overnight — he carried Indian cricket for years, delivering in pressure situations and rewriting records. His hunger for runs remains unmatched.
Babar, though newer to the stage, is rapidly building a legacy of his own. His consistency, elegance, and ability to anchor innings have made him Pakistan’s batting backbone. His ODI dominance, in particular, shows he’s destined for greatness.
Style and Impact
Kohli is fiery, aggressive, and thrives on intensity. His cover drives and fearless approach make him a global icon.
Babar, in contrast, is calm, composed, and elegant — his timing and strokeplay are pure artistry.
Different styles, same impact — both capable of single-handedly winning matches for their teams.
Kohli vs Babar – The Verdict
Comparing Kohli and Babar is like comparing two eras. Kohli’s experience, longevity, and unmatched records make him one of the greatest ever. Babar, meanwhile, is the modern torchbearer — young, consistent, and hungry for more.
This isn’t just a rivalry; it’s a celebration of two batting geniuses from different generations. Kohli may be the King, but Babar is fast emerging as the Prince ready to take the throne.
