Babar vs Virat?

A light comparative review of Babur and Virat

Virat Kohli may reign as the "King of Batting," but Babar Azam embodies the silent assassin of cricket, patiently waiting for his moment to shine. While Kohli instills fear in opposing teams with his aggressive style, Babar operates like a stealthy termite, quietly devouring the competition before they even realize it.

The rivalry between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is steeped in the nuances of cricketing advantages and challenges. Kohli enjoys the significant benefit of being an Indian batsman, often participating in matches tailored to his strengths, frequently played on home grounds renowned as batting paradises. In contrast, Pakistani players face hurdles, not only due to a lack of resources but also because the Pakistan Cricket Board mirrors the weaknesses of other national institutions, frequently undergoing changes that hinder stability. The subpar infrastructure has stunted professionalism among players, leaving them without adequate technical or administrative support on the international stage. Moreover, the board has struggled to establish a credible presence in the politics of international cricket, as evidenced by past instances involving players like Shoaib Akhtar and Saeed Ajmal. This lack of exposure contributes to feelings of inferiority among Pakistani cricketers. In light of these factors, former England captain Nasser Hussain aptly remarked that if Babar Azam were to embody the prowess of Virat Kohli, he would be a household name.Babar Azam is undeniably a natural talent; calling him a "diamond in cricketing terms" would not be an exaggeration. He emerged as a beacon of hope for Pakistan cricket during a period marked by a dearth of competent batting players. Instead of allowing him to showcase his batting brilliance, the Pakistan Cricket Board exhibited remarkable self-interest by appointing him as captain across all formats prematurely.When comparing Babar to Kohli, the disparities become glaringly evident. For instance, Kohli made his debut at the tender age of twenty and had already played 146 matches by the age of twenty-six.

While Babar made his debut at the age of 21 and played only 77 matches by the time he reached the age of 26.

Then, among these matches, Virat got most of the matches at his home ground, while Babar got only a few matches at his home ground.

Comparison of Babar and Kohli after 100 ODIs

Kohli : Score 4107, at average 48.89

Babur : Score 5089, at average 59.17

Some people, especially Indians, object that Babar has scored most of the scores against weak teams, while the above record shows a very balanced performance that Babar has also seen good performance against big teams.

When it comes to style and captivating strokes, one might think of players like Ricky Ponting. However, in terms of technique and results, Babar Azam undoubtedly surpasses everyone in that category. Batting is not a dance floor where one’s flair is applauded; it is a battleground where performance translates to victory, not mere showmanship.

Babar Azam becomes second player to score 10 centuries in men's T20 cricket.

Babar first broke into the Test rankings at the sixth position in 2019, and since then, he has consistently remained in the top ten, currently holding the fourth spot. Notably, he reached the second position in 2022.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Babar is a king. He first entered the rankings at sixteenth in 2016 and ascended to the number one spot in April 2021. Since then, he has dominated the ODI rankings.

In T20s, Babar reached sixth place for the first time in 2017 and has remained a fixture in the top ten since then. He has intermittently held the number one position from 2018 to 2022 and is currently ranked fourth.

GOAT of Cricket! A Modern Perspective

Cricket has undergone a remarkable transformation since the era of Sir Donald Bradman, often hailed as the greatest batsman of all time. While Bradman’s records remain unparalleled, modern cricket has evolved into a multi-dimensional spectacle characterized by diverse formats, constant media scrutiny, and an influx of exceptional talent. This evolution has made it increasingly challenging for players to sustain dominance, as even a brief slump in performance can cast doubts over their future.

Given this shifting landscape, the pressing question arises—who can truly be regarded as the ‘Don’ of cricket in the modern era?

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The Legacy of Dominance: Icons of the Mid-Era

Before identifying today’s cricketing legends, it’s essential to look back at players who defined excellence in earlier generations. Among them, Sir Vivian Richards stands tall as a symbol of dominance, holding the No. 1 ranking in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for an incredible 1,748 consecutive days between August 16, 1988, and April 1, 1994. His blend of elegance and aggression cemented his place as one of the finest batsmen in history.

A review of other legends who sustained top rankings highlights their consistency and resilience:

Rank Player Days Period Held

1 Viv Richards 1,748 16.08.1988 – 01.04.1994

2 Michael Bevan 1,259 18.07.2002 – 30.09.2005

3 Virat Kohli 1,258 20.10.2017 – 01.04.2021

4 Dean Jones 1,146 04.01.1990 – 22.01.1993

5 Brian Lara 1,049 09.03.1996 – 21.01.1999

6 Babar Azam 951 14.04.2021 – 26.12.2023

These statistics highlight the brilliance of these cricketers. However, the emergence of T20 cricket has reshaped how greatness is measured, demanding a fresh perspective.

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Modern Cricket: The Rise of T20 Dominance

The advent of T20 cricket has revolutionized the sport, attracting global audiences and redefining what it means to succeed. This fast-paced format demands explosive power, strategic decision-making, and the ability to thrive under immense pressure.

Players like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have demonstrated their adaptability across formats, excelling in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Kohli, for example, maintained the No. 1 ODI ranking for 1,258 days, while Babar’s 951-day reign as the top-ranked ODI batsman underscores his consistency in the modern game.

Given T20’s growing prominence, it’s crucial to evaluate performance across all formats to determine the true greats of the contemporary era.

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Cricket’s All-Format Masters: Performance Analysis

Identifying batsmen who have excelled across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is requires analyzing their statistics across these formats. The table below highlights some of the most consistent performers in modern cricket:

Player Test Matches Test Avg ODI Matches ODI Avg T20I Matches T20I Avg Overall Avg

Virat Kohli 111 49.53 292 47.32 115 52.73 54.36

Babar Azam 49 47.93 100 59.17 99 41.41 54.32

Joe Root 131 50.30 158 51.33 32 35.72 50.45

Kane William 94 54.31 161 47.83 87 33.29 48.48

Steve Smith 99 59.80 142 43.34 63 25.02 42.72

Key Insights:

• Virat Kohli: An exceptional overall average of 54.36 highlights his adaptability across formats.

• Babar Azam: With an impressive ODI average of 59.17, he stands out as a limited-overs specialist while maintaining balance in Tests and T20Is.

• Joe Root: A dependable performer, especially in Tests and ODIs, boasting an overall average of 50.45.

• Kane Williamson: Renowned for his technique, he shines in Tests with a 54.31 average, reflecting his reliability.

• Steve Smith: Dominates Test cricket with a remarkable average of 59.80, showcasing unmatched expertise in the longest format.

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Rethinking Cricket’s Modern Don

While Sir Donald Bradman’s legacy remains a benchmark for cricketing greatness, the evolution of the sport demands a more inclusive perspective. Modern legends like Viv Richards, Virat Kohli, and Babar Azam have redefined excellence by mastering multiple formats and adapting to contemporary challenges.

The rise of T20 cricket has added complexity to this debate, highlighting the importance of versatility and impact across all formats. Instead of seeking a singular ‘Don’ of cricket, perhaps we should celebrate the brilliance of these icons who continue to inspire fans worldwide.

Who is Babar Azam? What Do We Expect from Him? A Realistic Review!

Technically, Babar Azam is a world-class batsman. His unique style and rhythm are intricately linked; altering his rhythm inevitably affects his technique. Yet, some observers wish to see Babar as more than just a technically sound batsman; they envision him as a superman—someone who combines the determination of Sachin Tendulkar, the stability of Rahul Dravid, the agility of AB de Villiers, and the match-winning prowess of Virat Kohli. This expectation places an undue burden on Babar. We must also be cautious not to lose sight of his existing talents in our pursuit of perfection. Given all these considerations, it becomes clear that a comparison between Babar and Virat does not hold water.

Reference

Moody, Manjrekar compare Babar Azam, Virat Kohli in ODIs

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: Comparing batting greatness at similar stages

Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: A detailed look at the duo’s numbers across formats

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who is better and the batting GOAT? The stats comparison

Kohli on Babar: 'Probably the top batsman in the world across formats'