The comparison of Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli is one of the biggest topics of debate in the cricketing world. 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, Champions Trophy in 2013 and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017. 

Here we compare Babar Azam and Virat Kohli across formats and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats. Time to settle the ultimate cricket debate - Kohli vs Azam! Join the Fantasy Cricket frenzy on Howzat and claim your victory today! 

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 9040 runs in 118 Tests, compared to Babar’s 3997 runs in 55 Test matches. Virat has a better batting average and scored 20 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.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ODIs

Kohli became the fastest player to score 14000 runs in the ODI format, while Babar is the fastest player to reach the 5000 ODI runs. Virat has hit a staggering 51 centuries and 73 fifties in 299 ODIs compared to Babar’s 19 centuries and 32 fifties in 117 ODI matches. Kohli also has a higher strike rate of 93.41 compared to Babar’s 88.75.

Virat has become the fastest Indian Cricketer to reach 14000 runs, thereby breaking Tendulkar's record. He achieved this milestone by batting against Pakistan in his 287th innings in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. 

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ODI Stats Comparison

As you can see in the table above, Virat Kohli has a clear edge over Babar Azam in terms of ODI stats. Kohli has played more matches, scored more runs, and has a higher average. He also has more centuries and fifties than Azam.

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. Kohli has played in 125 T20I games, while Babar has played in 123 T20I games so far. Virat is 2nd on the list of highest run scorer in T20Is, with 4188 runs at an average of 48.69 and strike rate of 137.04. On the other hand, Babar is 3rd on the list, with 4145 runs at an average of 41.03 and strike rate of 129.08.

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 Asia Cup.

Virat vs Babar T20 Stats Comparison (IPL vs PSL)

Virat has played in the Indian T20 League since its establishment in 2008. In 17 seasons, he has made 8004 runs at a strike rate of 131.97, including 8 centuries. Babar has played in the Pakistan T20 League for 9 seasons, scoring 3504 runs at an average of 45.50 and strike rate of 127.41.

FAQs

Who is best, Virat Kohli or Babar Azam?

Virat Kohli has the better overall stats, with more runs, centuries, and fifties in all formats. He also has a higher batting average and strike rate in Test and T20I cricket. However, Babar Azam has achieved some incredible things in his career so far. 

How many centuries has Virat Kohli in international cricket?

Virat Kohli has scored a total of 80 centuries. In Tests, he has scored 29 centuries, while in ODIs, he has made 50 centuries and 1 in T20Is. Kohli has also scored 8 centuries in the Indian T20 League.

How many centuries Babar Azam have in international cricket?

Babar Azam has made total 31 centuries across all three international formats – 9 centuries in Tests, 19 in ODIs, and 3 in T20Is.

What is the T20 record of Kohli or Babar?

Virat Kohli has played 399 T20s and scored 12886 runs at a strike rate of 134.20. Kohli has hit 9 centuries and 97 fifties in T20s. Babar Azam has played 304 T20s and scored 10942 runs at a strike rate of 129.30. Babar has hit 11 centuries and 90 fifties in T20s.

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