Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: Who is Better? ODI, T20, And Test Comparison
Cricket often sparks passionate discussions, and few debates resonate as deeply as comparing two modern batting maestros: Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Both command admiration in distinct ways—Kohli through his commanding strength, and Babar through his elegant and precise technique. As of August 2025, how do they stack up across the three formats—ODI, T20 internationals, and Tests? Let’s explore the numbers, playing style, and trajectory to paint a rich, nuanced comparison.
ODIs: The Theater of Consistency and Volume
In One-Day International, consistency remains the cornerstone of excellence. As of March 2025, Virat Kohli holds the third-highest career batting average in ODIs, standing at an impressive 57.88. Meanwhile, Babar Azam sits fifth with an impressive batting average of 55.50. These figures highlight their consistent excellence and top-tier performance in the ODI format. That proximity suggests not just remarkable form—but sustained brilliance.
Yet the average alone doesn’t tell the full story. Kohli has smashed 51 ODI centuries, the most in international cricket. In comparison, Babar’s century tally is fewer, reflective mainly of a shorter career span. Still, Babar maintains a steady rhythm and jaw-dropping technical poise.
- Volume: Kohli edges ahead by sheer run-scoring and centuries.
- Style: Babar’s textbook technique and selective aggression captivate cricket purists.
Though Kohli currently leads, Babar’s trajectory suggests a narrowing gap especially if he sustains consistency and converts more starts into big scores.
T20 Internationals: Power, Pace, and Panache
Switching to the sprint format, T20Is offer a different canvas forged in aggression and adaptability. As of early 2025:
- Kohli amassed 4,188 runs at a stellar 48.69 average, paired with a strike rate of approximately 137.
- Babar aligns closely in cumulative runs but lands outside the top rank listed in the same data set.
Babar’s signature lies in his three T20I centuries, overtaking Kohli’s solitary ton in this format. While the volume of Kohli’s scores remains high, Babar’s milestone-making shows he can dominate too.
- Consistency + Pace: Kohli’s game is built on reliable consistency and a good pace, with both his batting average and strike rate standing out and gaining respect.
- Landmark: Advantage Babar with more centuries in T20I.
In sum, Kohli holds quality and sustained high-level performance, but Babar continues to close in with flair and impact.
Test Cricket: Legacy vs Potential
Test cricket often defines the fullest version of a batsman. On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli officially retired from the longest format—closing a 14-year chapter with 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, an average of 46.85, 30 centuries, and 31 half-centuries. No other Indian has scored as many Test double-centuries as he has, boasting a total of seven.
Tributes poured in, with ICC chairman and legends lauding his transformational impact and unwavering passion for Tests. Yet public figures like Shashi Tharoor called his retirement “premature,” urging him to reconsider, reflecting the deflated hope of a cricketing nation. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar offered solace in understanding the physical and mental strain that led to his decision.
On the other hand, Babar Azam is still building his reputation in Test cricket. While specific updated numbers aren’t directly cited in our recent research, the trend shows that he’s still evolving less decorated now, but with time and form, his lines could grow toward elite levels.
- Legacy & Impact: Undeniably, Virat Kohli’s Test career has left an indelible mark.
- Growth Potential: Babar has the youth and time to emerge as a heavyweight in future red-ball contests.
Format-by-Format Snapshot
- ODI: Kohli holds the lead with his record number of centuries and consistent run-scoring, but Babar is not far behind.
- T20I: Kohli again holds tactical consistency; Babar shines in landmark innings.
- Test: Kohli’s legacy is cemented; Babar remains hopeful and evolving.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli still sits atop the pyramid in terms of proven excellence and impact across all formats. His steady performance, knack for taking control of games, and impressive run tally all reinforce why he’s held in such high regard. Babar Azam, however, is steadily ascending, and his class and stability suggest that he could one day close the gap, particularly in limited-overs cricket. The next decade may bring a fresh dimension to this ongoing debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virat Kohli holds an average of 57.9, while Babar Azam's is 54.6.
Kohli has recorded 51 centuries in ODIs - the highest in history.
Kohli dominates with an average of 48.69 and strike rate of around 137 in T20Is.
Yes, Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, concluding a storied 14-year career.
It's uncertain—but possible. Kohli's achievements offer a high bar, yet Babar's youth, technique, and consistency give him genuine potential to close the gap.