Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who Has Better Stats In Test Cricket?

In the realm of cricket, where statistics often tell the tale of a player’s prowess, the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in Test cricket has become a subject of intense debate among fans and analysts alike. Both players, hailing from cricket-crazed nations, have not only captured the imagination of their respective countries but have also left an indelible mark on the international stage. Kohli, with his fiery determination and aggressive batting style, has long been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, setting benchmarks for consistency and run accumulation. On the other hand, Babar Azam, with his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, has quickly risen to be Pakistan’s batting mainstay, often drawing comparisons with the greats due to his technique and temperament. Here, we delve into their Test cricket statistics to determine who stands taller in this modern era of cricketing giants.

Matches Played : Virat Kohli has played significantly more Tests than Babar Azam. Kohli has appeared in over 100 Tests, while Babar has played around 52.

Runs Scored : Virat Kohli has amassed over 8,848 runs in Tests, showcasing his longevity and consistency in the format. Babar, although with fewer matches, has scored 3,898 runs, indicating a high run rate per match.

Average : Kohli’s average is around 49.15, which is slightly higher than Babar’s 45.86, but considering Babar’s fewer innings, his average might still be seen as competitive.

Centuries and Half-centuries : Kohli has hit 29 centuries in Tests, with 30 half-centuries, whereas Babar has 9 centuries and 26 half-centuries. Kohli’s centuries are more, especially considering his performance outside Asia.

Strike Rate: Kohli’s strike rate in Tests isn’t directly mentioned in the comparisons, but his overall approach has been more aggressive, especially in ODIs and T20Is, which might reflect in Tests too.

Performance in Different Conditions : Virat Kohli has scored 13 centuries outside the subcontinent, showcasing his ability to perform globally. Babar, on the other hand, has only one century outside Asia, which might be seen as a point in Kohli’s favor for adaptability.

Consistency and Peak Performance: Discussions around their peak performances in ODIs show Kohli’s dominance, but in Tests, while Kohli has had a longer period at the top, Babar’s average and run accumulation rate per match are notable.

From these points:

Virat Kohli has the edge in terms of total runs, centuries, especially in diverse conditions, and the sheer volume of matches played, which speaks to his experience and consistency over a longer period.

Babar Azam shows promise with a higher average in fewer matches, suggesting he might be on a trajectory to match or even surpass Kohli’s Test stats if he continues his form, but currently, he lacks in the number of centuries, especially outside Asia.

Given these statistics, Virat Kohli has better stats in Test cricket due to his higher number of centuries, especially in varied conditions, and his long-term consistency. However, Babar Azam’s performance, especially his average, indicates he could challenge these stats if he continues to perform at his current level over more matches.

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