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Introduction
Cricket fans across the globe are always divided when it comes to one burning debate:Ā Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli. On one side, we haveĀ King Kohli, the chase-master and fitness icon who has redefined modern cricket. On the other,Ā Babar Azam, Pakistanās elegant run-machine, often called the āclassiest batter of this generation.ā
TheĀ India vs Pakistan rivalryĀ adds extra spice to this comparison, making it one of the most discussed topics in world cricket. But in 2025, who truly deserves the crown of being the āReal King of Modern Cricketā? Letās find out through a detailed comparison. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
Early Career Journey
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli first caught the worldās attention when he led India to victory in the 2008 U-19 World Cup. His aggressive attitude, combined with raw talent, made him an instant star. By 2011, he was already part of Indiaās World Cup-winning squad, and soon after, he became the backbone of the Indian batting line-up.
Babar Azam
Babar Azamās journey was calmer but equally inspiring. Making his debut in 2015, he impressed instantly with his text-book shots. Within just a few years, he became Pakistanās most reliable batter, scoring runs consistently across formats. Unlike Kohliās fiery entry, Babarās rise was all about elegance and patience.
Playing Style & Technique
Both players have completely different batting personalities:
- Kohli: Known as theĀ āChase Masterā, Kohli thrives under pressure. His fitness levels, running between the wickets, and ability to pace innings make him unique. He loves dominating bowlers with aggressive stroke play. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
- Babar: If cricket had an art gallery, Babarās cover drives would be framed on the wall. His calm temperament, classic strokes, and ability to build innings slowly remind fans of the golden days of traditional batting. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
š In short: Kohli is about aggression and domination, while Babar is about elegance and class.
Statistical Comparison (As of 2025)
When it comes to numbers, fans often rely on statistics to judge whoās better. Letās compare:
ODI Stats
- Virat Kohli: Over 13,500 runs, 50+ centuries, average close to 58.
- Babar Azam: Around 6000+ runs, 19 centuries, average around 57.
š Kohli dominates in volume, but Babar matches him in batting average.
T20I Stats
- Virat Kohli: 4000+ runs, highest average among top players (~52).
- Babar Azam: 3500+ runs, more consistent in recent years.
š Kohli edges in finishing games, while Babar is about steady starts.
Test Stats
- Virat Kohli: 8700+ runs, 29 centuries, aggressive middle-order pillar.
- Babar Azam: 4000+ runs, average above 47, Pakistanās most reliable Test batter.
š Kohliās longevity gives him the upper hand, but Babarās Test record is impressive given Pakistanās unstable team structure.
Captaincy Records
Virat Kohli as Captain
- Transformed India into a fearless Test side.
- Famous for historic overseas Test series wins (Australia, England).
- Aggressive leadership, but critics say he lacked ICC trophies.
Babar Azam as Captain
- Led Pakistan in a calmer style, focusing on consistency.
- Guided Pakistan to the T20 World Cup 2022 final.
- Respected for bringing unity and confidence back to Pakistan cricket.
š Verdict: Kohli has more wins, Babar has more patience. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
Records & Milestones
- Virat Kohli: Fastest to 8000, 9000, 10000, and 12000 ODI runs. Recently broke Sachin Tendulkarās record of 49 ODI centuries.
- Babar Azam: Fastest to 5000 ODI runs. Consistently ranked No. 1 ODI batter for years. Holds record for most 50+ scores in consecutive innings.
Both are record-breakers, but Kohliās achievements span a longer timeline. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
Off-Field Influence
Beyond cricket, their influence is massive:
- Virat Kohli: Changed Indian cricketās fitness culture. He is also one of the most marketable athletes globally with endorsements from Puma, Audi, and more.
- Babar Azam: A humble star who inspires millions of young Pakistani cricketers. His calm persona makes him a perfect role model for Pakistanās cricketing culture.
Fan Following & Legacy
- Kohli: Nicknamed āKing Kohli,ā his global fan base is unmatched. With over 260M+ Instagram followers, heās cricketās biggest superstar.
- Babar: Loved across Pakistan and admired globally for his calm batting. Fans often call him the āPrince of Cricket.ā
This fan-driven rivalry adds spice to everyĀ India vs Pakistan clash, making matches even more exciting. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
Who is Better in 2025?
This is where the debate heats up:
- Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the more accomplished player in terms of records, longevity, and consistency. He has been dominating for more than a decade.
- Babar Azam, on the other hand, is in his prime, matching Kohliās average and elegance. While he hasnāt played as long, his growth curve is steep, and he has the potential to break multiple records in coming years.
š So, the real answer is: Kohli is the king of the past decade, but Babar is the prince eyeing the throne.
Future Outlook
- Kohli: At 36, he may not have many years left at the top, but his fitness ensures he can still contribute for India until the next couple of years. His legacy is already sealed.
- Babar: Just 30, entering his peak. If he continues this consistency for the next 5ā6 years, he could very well surpass Kohli in certain records.
Conclusion
TheĀ Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli comparisonĀ is not just about numbers; itās about personalities, styles, and cricketing cultures. Kohli has already carved his name as one of the greatest of all time. Babar, meanwhile, is writing his story with elegance and determination. Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli 2025.
So, whoās the real king?
š Kohli is the established King, while Babar is the rising Prince destined for greatness.
Cricket fans are lucky to witness both legends in action ā one shaping history, and the other shaping the future.
FAQs
Q1: Who has more centuries ā Virat Kohli or Babar Azam?
š Virat Kohli, with 80+ international centuries, far ahead of Babarās tally.
Q2: Who has a better ODI average?
š Both are close, but Babar and Kohli average around 57ā58 in ODIs.
Q3: Is Babar Azam the next Virat Kohli?
š Babar has the potential, but both have different styles. Babar is more classical, while Kohli is aggressive.
Q4: Who has won more ICC trophies?
š Virat Kohli, part of Indiaās 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy wins. Babar is yet to win a major ICC trophy as captain.
