A Deep Dive into the Babar Azam vs. Virat Kohli Debate
For a while, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shared the spotlight as two of cricket's finest talents. Enthusiastic supporters from Pakistan and cricket legends praised Babar for mirroring Kohli’s journey. Yet, as time has shown, this comparison may be more unfounded than deserving.
The Rise and Decline of Babar Azam
During a golden stretch from 2016 to 2022, Babar maintained an impressive average of over 40 across formats. However, since 2023, he has faced a consistent downturn in form. Notably, he has been dropped from both the Test and T20I sides, a stark contrast to Kohli's career storyline.
As we look toward the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, Babar's transition to the middle order was positioned as a crucial strategy. Expected to stabilize the innings in challenging Sri Lankan conditions, reality soon proved this task too daunting for him.
Head-to-Head: India vs. Pakistan
In their marquee clash against India, Babar faltered, succumbing to the immense pressure that accompanies such high-stakes encounters. This leads to a striking comparison: while Kohli has shined under pressure, Babar's record against India highlights his struggles:
| Player | Average Against India | Strike Rate | Recent Matches | Average in Recent Games |
|---|
| Virat Kohli | 70.28 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Babar Azam | 22.00 | 113.51 | 5 | 8.40 |
A Moment of Reflection
While a notable victory for Pakistan in 2021 momentarily justified comparisons, Babar's subsequent performance has made it clear. In five games against India since that match, he has averaged a mere 8.40, failing to reach the 15-run landmark even once.
The question remains: How do we measure greatness? Kohli's calm demeanor and ability to chase challenges set him apart, while Babar continues to search for his footing on the international stage.
As cricket fans reflect on these contrasting narratives, it’s becoming evident that the comparisons being drawn may be more about perception than reality.