Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ODI Stats Comparison Before ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The cricket rivalry between Indo-Pak best batsmen Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam is one of the most exciting debates in the sport. With the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match coming up on February 23, 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy, fans are eager to witness these two cricket giants go head-to-head. Their performances will undoubtedly be crucial to their teams’ success. But how do they compare statistically? Let’s break it down.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Stats Overview
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 297 |
| Runs Scored | 13,963 |
| Batting Average | 57.93 |
| Strike Rate | 93.52 |
| Centuries | 50 |
| Half-Centuries | 73 |
Key Takeaways:
- Kohli is a powerhouse in ODIs with almost 14,000 runs in his career.
- His strike rate of 93.52 reflects his ability to play aggressive, match-winning innings.
- A total of 50 centuries puts him in a league of his own in modern-day cricket.
Babar Azam’s ODI Stats Overview
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 126 |
| Runs Scored | 6,019 |
| Batting Average | 55.73 |
| Strike Rate | 88.13 |
| Centuries | 19 |
| Half-Centuries | 34 |
Key Takeaways:
- Babar has already crossed the 6,000 runs mark, a remarkable feat considering the fewer matches played compared to Kohli.
- His batting average of 55.73 speaks volumes about his consistency, even under pressure.
- With 19 centuries, he is making a strong case as one of cricket’s modern greats.
Home Performance Comparison
Performance in home conditions often highlights a player’s ability to dominate in familiar territory. Here’s how the two stars stack up:
Virat Kohli at Home:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 115 |
| Batting Average | 60.78 |
| Centuries | 21 |
| Half-Centuries | 28 |
Babar Azam at Home:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 54 |
| Batting Average | 70.52 |
| Centuries | 11 |
| Half-Centuries | 18 |
- Insight: While Kohli remains brilliant at home, Babar Azam’s jaw-dropping average of 70.52 gives him a slight edge when it comes to dominating home conditions.
Away and Neutral Venue Comparison
Virat Kohli Away/Neutral:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 133 |
| Batting Average | 54.48 |
| Centuries | 23 |
| Half-Centuries | 38 |
Babar Azam Away/Neutral:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 63 |
| Batting Average | 51.89 |
| Centuries | 6 |
| Half-Centuries | 16 |
- Insight: Kohli’s adaptability to different conditions gives him the edge in matches away from home or at neutral venues. His ability to perform consistently in hostile conditions has been a major factor in India’s success over the years.
Head-to-Head and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Showdown
While Kohli has experience and longevity, Babar Azam’s rise since his debut in 2015 has been nothing short of spectacular. The face-off between these two batting maestros adds immense excitement to the already intense India vs Pakistan rivalry. With the Dubai International Stadium hosting this showdown, adaptability to unfamiliar pitches could play a decisive role.
Recent Form – A Key Decider?
Heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both players are in tremendous form. Here’s how they’ve performed over the past year in ODIs:
Virat Kohli in the Last 12 Months:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Runs Scored | 1,020 |
| Batting Average | 72.85 |
| Centuries | 4 |
Babar Azam in the Last 12 Months:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 14 |
| Runs Scored | 878 |
| Batting Average | 67.53 |
| Centuries | 3 |
- Form Analysis: Both Kohli and Babar are firing on all cylinders, making this clash one of the most awaited encounters in cricket history.
Why Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam is the Rivalry to Watch
The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry isn’t just a game—it’s an emotion, a spectacle unparalleled in the world of sports. Here’s why the focus on Kohli and Babar magnifies this contest:
- Experience vs Youthful Dominance:
- Kohli, in the twilight of his career, brings experience and the ability to handle pressure situations.
- Babar, representing the new generation, is steadily proving to be Pakistan’s most reliable batsman.
- Legacy in ICC Tournaments:
- Kohli is a veteran in ICC events and knows how to deliver when it matters the most.
- Babar, seeking to establish his own legacy, will look to lead by example.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam Concloued
The countdown to the highly anticipated February 23, 2025, clash between India and Pakistan is on. For fans, it’s not just about the results—it’s about seeing two of the best in the game, Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam, competing on the big stage.
Stay updated Khelo Pakistan with the latest analysis and match insights from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to cheer for your favorite star. Will it be King Kohli or Sultan Babar who emerges victorious? Only time will tell.
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