The debate of Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam has become one of the hottest topics in world cricket. Both are modern-day batting greats who dominate across formats with their runs, records, and leadership impact.
While Kohli, the Indian superstar, made his debut in 2008 and has crossed 80 international centuries, Babar, Pakistan’s captain, entered the international stage in 2015 and has quickly established himself among the best with 31 centuries.
Let’s explore their records and comparisons across formats, including the latest updates from 2024–2025.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam Records & Stats
1. ODI Comparison: King Kohli vs Consistent Babar
ODIs remain the favorite format of both players. Kohli, the “Chase Master,” leads the chart with staggering numbers, but Babar has been Pakistan’s most reliable batter.
ODI Stats (as of Champions Trophy 2025 build-up)
| Category | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 302 | 134 |
| Runs Scored | 14,181 | 6,291 |
| Batting Average | 57.88 | 54.23 |
| Strike Rate | 93.34 | 87.63 |
| Centuries (100s) | 51 | 19 |
| Fifties (50s) | 74 | 37 |
| Highest Score | 183 vs Pak | 158 vs Eng |
- Kohli became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs in 2025, breaking Tendulkar’s record.
- Babar is the fastest to 5000 ODI runs in history.
- At home, Babar averages 70+, slightly better than Kohli, while away stats tilt in Kohli’s favor.
Verdict: Kohli leads overall, but Babar dominates in home conditions.
“Bewakoof log hai (people who rate Babar Azam similar to Virat Kohli are foolish). Virat Kohli is such a big player. He has been a role model globally. He has played with so much passion. Such players are hard to come by. He has set such a high benchmark. There is no comparison between the two,” said Akmal, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
2. Test Cricket: Experience vs Elegance
In Tests, Kohli’s longevity and performances across the globe give him a clear advantage, while Babar has shone with his stylish batting but is still building his record.
Test Stats
| Category | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 123 | 59 |
| Runs Scored | 9,230 | 4,235 |
| Batting Average | 46.85 | 42.77 |
| Centuries (100s) | 30 | 9 |
| Fifties (50s) | 31 | 26 |
| Highest Score | 254* vs SA | 196 vs Aus |
- Kohli has 13 centuries outside Asia, showing his adaptability.
- Babar has 9 Test hundreds, but only one outside the subcontinent.
Verdict: Kohli is far ahead, but Babar’s best years in Tests may still be ahead.
“Comparing bad form between Babar Azam & Kohli after rumours the Pakistan legend will be dropped for the 2nd test v England is baseless. India: 2nd best win % during Kohli’s draught. Pakistan: 2nd worst win % through Babar’s. Hard decisions need to be made!” Hogg said.
3. T20Is: Neck-to-Neck Battle
The closest rivalry is in T20 internationals. Kohli retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, finishing as the second-highest run scorer in T20Is.
T20I Stats
| Category | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 125 | 128 |
| Runs Scored | 4,188 | 4,223 |
| Batting Average | 48.69 | 39.83 |
| Strike Rate | 137.04 | 129.22 |
| Centuries (100s) | 1 | 3 |
| Highest Score | 122* vs AFG | 122 vs SA |
- Kohli’s average (48.69) remains unmatched in T20Is.
- Babar leads in centuries (3) and total runs.
Verdict: Kohli edges with consistency, Babar shines with big innings.
“I am really sorry, I rate Babar Azam. He is an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli’s credentials are something else. Across terrains, across times, across pressure situations, the kind of heists he has done, no one has come close to doing so in the world of cricket. As far as I know, at this point, if any one comes close, it is Joe Root in Test cricket,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
4. Leagues: IPL vs PSL
Both stars dominate their domestic T20 leagues – IPL for Kohli, PSL for Babar.
IPL vs PSL Comparison
| Category | Virat Kohli (IPL) | Babar Azam (PSL) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 267 | 100 |
| Runs Scored | 8,661 | 3,792 |
| Batting Average | 39.54 | 44.61 |
| Strike Rate | 132.85 | 127.50 |
| Centuries (100s) | 8 | 2 |
| Fifties (50s) | 63 | 36 |
| Highest Score | 113* | 115 |
- Kohli is the all-time leading run scorer in IPL history.
- Babar has been the PSL’s most consistent batsman with an average above 44.
“Virat Kohli is the greatest player of this generation. I laugh when comparisons are made between him and Babar Azam, Steve Smith, or Joe Root. We cannot compare Virat Kohli to anyone because he has won so many matches for India, which seems impossible for any one player. Not just in one format, but in all three formats, Virat is the greatest batsman of this generation,” Amir said on the Cricket Predicta Show.
5. Career Milestones & Achievements
Virat Kohli
- 80+ international centuries (30 in Tests, 51 in ODIs, 1 in T20Is).
- Won 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup.
- Fastest to 8k, 9k, 10k, 11k, 14k ODI runs.
- Known as the “Chase Master.”
Babar Azam
- 31 international centuries (9 Tests, 19 ODIs, 3 T20Is).
- Won 2017 Champions Trophy with Pakistan.
- Fastest to 1000, 2000, 3000 ODI runs.
- Renowned for his elegant batting style and high consistency.
6. Technique & Style of playing
- Kohli: Aggressive, sharp footwork, mental toughness, brilliant in chases.
- Babar: Elegant stroke play, calm temperament, methodical innings builder.
Both maintain strict fitness regimes, setting standards for modern cricket athletes.
Who is Better – Virat Kohli or Babar Azam?
ODIs and Tests – Kohli Ahead
Virat Kohli is ahead of Babar Azam in ODIs and Test cricket.
- Kohli has scored many more runs, more centuries, and delivered match-winning knocks in all conditions, including outside Asia.
- Babar is stylish and consistent, but Kohli’s experience and records make him stronger in these two formats.
T20Is – Neck-to-Neck
In T20 internationals, the rivalry is very close.
- Kohli has the better batting average and strike rate.
- Babar has scored more centuries and slightly more runs. Both are excellent, but Kohli is more consistent while Babar produces bigger individual knocks.
Leagues – IPL vs PSL
- Kohli is the all-time leading run scorer in the IPL and has 8 centuries.
- Babar is the most reliable batter in PSL with a better batting average than Kohli.
- Kohli dominates with records, but Babar shines with steady performances.
Right now, Virat Kohli is the better overall batsman, thanks to his huge records, trophies, and match-winning ability. At the same time, Babar Azam is the best challenger of this era. His consistency and elegant batting make him the closest to matching Kohli’s greatness in the future.
