Introduction:
Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are two of the most talented and successful cricketers of the modern era. Both are considered the future legends of the game, with their performances and consistency being a testament to their exceptional skills. While they come from different countries, they share many similarities in their playing styles and approaches to the game. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two great batsmen, looking at their batting, statistics, playing styles, and overall impact on the game. So let’s start reading!
Batting statistics:
When it comes to batting statistics, both Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are among the best in the world. Babar Azam has played 38 Tests, scoring 2,829 runs at an average of 45.66, with 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries. He has played 80 ODIs, scoring 3,808 runs at an average of 56.83, with 13 centuries and 19 half-centuries. He has also played 62 T20Is, scoring 2,169 runs at an average of 48.20, with 18 half-centuries.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has played 96 Tests, scoring 7,774 runs at an average of 51.41, with 27 centuries and 25 half-centuries. He has played 254 ODIs, scoring 12,169 runs at an average of 59.07, with 43 centuries and 62 half-centuries. He has also played 90 T20Is, scoring 3,159 runs at an average of 52.65, with 28 half-centuries.
While Kohli has played more matches and has scored more runs than Babar Azam, the latter has a higher batting average in both Tests and T20Is. However, Kohli’s average in ODIs is higher than Babar’s. Kohli’s remarkable consistency across all formats is also evident in his number of centuries, which is significantly higher than Babar’s.
Playing style:
Babar Azam is known for his elegant and effortless stroke play. Babar has an impeccable technique, which allows him to play both pace and spin with equal ease. He is particularly adept at playing the cover drive, and his ability to time the ball and find the gaps is a hallmark of his batting style. He is also known for his calm and composed demeanor at the crease, which allows him to make big scores without taking unnecessary risks.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is a more aggressive and flamboyant batsman. He is known for his exceptional hand-eye coordination, which allows him to play the ball late and with immense power. Virat is also a master of the chase and has an incredible ability to pace his innings according to the situation of the match. He is a very athletic fielder and a dynamic captain, who leads by example on the field.
Bowling:
While both players are primarily known for their batting, they have also had success with the ball. Babar Azam is a part-time leg-spinner who has taken 24 wickets in international cricket, including 3 in Tests, 18 in ODIs, and 3 in T20Is. He has a good googly and is known for his accuracy.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is also a part-time bowler who has taken 4 wickets in international cricket, including 1 in Tests, 3 in ODIs, and none in T20Is. He bowls right-arm medium pace and is known for his ability to vary his pace and keep the batsmen guessing.
Fielding:
Babar Azam is a brilliant outfielder, who is known for his athleticism and agility. He has taken some stunning catches in international cricket and is particularly good at diving catches and running catches. His quick reflexes and excellent anticipation make him a valuable asset in the field, and he is often stationed at crucial positions such as point or cover.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is a very versatile fielder who is equally effective in the infield and outfield. He is known for his athleticism and agility and is often seen diving and sliding to save runs or take catches. He is also a good catcher and has taken some memorable catches in his career, including a one-handed screamer in the IPL.
While both Babar and Kohli are excellent fielders, Kohli’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions give him an edge over Babar. He is often seen fielding at mid-off, mid-on, or at short covers, and his quick reflexes and excellent throwing arm make him a valuable asset in the field. However, Babar’s agility and quickness make him a formidable presence at point or cover, and he has saved countless runs for his team with his diving stops and athletic catches.
Overall Impact:
Both Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have had a significant impact on their respective teams and on the game of cricket as a whole. Babar Azam’s emergence as a top-order batsman has been a major boost for Pakistan cricket, especially in the post-Misbah and Younis era. He has provided much-needed stability and consistency to the batting line-up and has emerged as a future captaincy contender.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is arguably the best batsman in the world across all formats. He has single-handedly won matches for India on numerous occasions and has played a crucial role in the team’s success over the years. He is also a vocal advocate for fitness and discipline, and his leadership has helped instill a winning mentality in the Indian team.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are two exceptional batsmen who have made a significant impact on the game of cricket. While they have different playing styles, both of them have consistently performed at the highest level and have earned immense respect from fans and fellow cricketers alike. Kohli’s aggressive and flamboyant approach has made him a household name in the cricketing world, while Babar’s elegant and effortless stroke-play has won him many admirers. Both players have a bright future ahead of them, and it will be exciting to see how they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of the game.
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