The cricketing world is focused on Virat Kohli and Babar Azam as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both are among the finest batters in ODIs, but how do they compare? Here’s a detailed breakdown of their records, strengths, and recent performances.
Overall ODI Career Stats (As of February 2025)
| Stat | Virat Kohli (IND) | Babar Azam (PAK) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 291–295 | 117–123 |
| Runs | 13,848–13,960 | 5,729–5,967 |
| Batting Average | 58.16–58.67 | 56.29–56.95 |
| Strike Rate | 93.54 | 88.06–88.75 |
| Centuries (100s) | 50 | 19 |
| Fifties (50s) | 72 | 32–34 |
| Highest Score | 183 vs PAK (2012) | 158 vs ENG (2021) |
| 50+ Scores/Innings | 2.12–2.33 | 1.60–2.28 |
Experience and Career Progression
- Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 and has played nearly three times more ODIs than Babar. He has scored almost 14,000 runs with 50 centuries.
- Babar, who started his ODI career in 2015, became the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings). At the same stage, his average (56.73) was higher than Kohli’s (52.06).
Performance at Home and Away
- At home:
- Kohli: 5,394 runs @ 54.48 avg
- Babar: 2,491 runs @ 51.89 avg
- Away:
- Kohli: 13,960 runs @ 58.16 avg
- Babar: 5,967 runs @ 56.29 avg
Kohli has consistently performed better outside India, proving his adaptability in foreign conditions.
Strike Rate and Match Impact
- Kohli’s strike rate (93.54) is higher, making him a dominant force in run chases.
- Babar’s strike rate (88.06–88.75) is lower, drawing criticism for slow acceleration but praised for his consistency.
ICC Tournament Records
| Stat | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
| ODI World Cup Runs | 1,573 (34 matches) | 756 (24 matches) |
| Champions Trophy Runs | 529 (13 matches @ 88.16 avg) | 178 (5 matches @ 44.44 avg) |
| ICC Titles | 2 (2011 WC, 2013 CT) | 0 (Runner-up in 2022 T20 WC) |
Kohli has a superior record in ICC tournaments, showing his ability to perform under pressure.
Recent Form (2024–2025)
- Kohli: Has struggled with consistency but maintains a strong strike rate. He has been dismissed 11 times by Adil Rashid, highlighting a recent weakness.
- Babar: In excellent form with a 70.52 average in recent ODIs. He currently holds the No. 1 ICC ODI ranking (786 rating points vs. Kohli’s 728).
Records and Milestones
- Kohli:
- Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (205 innings)
- Most centuries in successful run chases (26)
- Babar:
- Fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings)
- Most runs in a calendar year for Pakistan (1,327 in 2022)
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
| Strengths | – Master chaser – Superior strike rate – Big-match performer | – Elegant technique – Consistent in home conditions – Converts starts into big scores |
| Weaknesses | – Recent drop in form – Struggles against quality spin | – Lower strike rate – Limited ICC knockout experience |