Few cricket debates spark as much passion as comparing Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. Whether you’re a fan of Pakistan’s elegant right-hander or India’s chase master, the numbers tell a story that goes beyond run-scoring. This article breaks down their career stats, records, and what might lie ahead, drawing on verified data from official profiles and established sports media.
Born: 15 October 1994 (ESPNcricinfo – official profile) ·
Batting style: Right-hand top-order batter ·
Role: Former Pakistan captain (all formats) ·
Highest ranking: No. 1 in ODIs (ICC) – achieved multiple times ·
Instagram followers: 7 million+ ·
Major record: Fastest ODI century by a Pakistani (off 66 balls) – Sportskeeda (cricket analysis)
Quick snapshot
- Born 15 October 1994 in Lahore (ESPNcricinfo – official profile)
- Married to Rida Tariq in 2020 (Sporting News India – biographical reporting)
- Scored 30+ international centuries (Sportskeeda – cricket stats)
- Has been ranked No. 1 in ICC ODI batting rankings (ESPNcricinfo – profile)
- Exact net worth and salary details – not publicly disclosed by official sources
- Future records he may break – depends on career longevity
- Full extent of endorsement earnings – private contracts
- 2015 – International debut for Pakistan (ESPNcricinfo)
- 2016 – First ODI century (Sportskeeda)
- 2019 – Appointed T20I captain (Sporting News India)
- 2020 – Appointed ODI captain (Sporting News India)
- 2022 – Scored 114 vs Australia in T20 World Cup (ESPNcricinfo)
- 2023 – Stepped down from captaincy (Sporting News India)
- Potential to chase Kohli’s century tally if he maintains form for another 6–8 years
- May return to captaincy or focus solely on batting
- Expected to continue climbing ICC rankings across formats
Babar Azam’s early career output is historically strong, but he faces a massive gap to Virat Kohli’s overall numbers. The next five years will determine whether he can close that distance or settle as a top-tier batsman rather than an all-time great.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Babar Azam |
| Born | 15 October 1994, Lahore, Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Top-order batsman, Former captain |
| International Centuries | 30+ (as of 2023) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
Who is Better, Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Comparing career stats and consistency
The most direct way to compare the two is through career batting statistics across formats. The table below uses data from Sportskeeda (cricket analysis) and Sporting News India (sports reporting).
| Format | Statistic | Babar Azam | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | Matches | 62 | 123 |
| Tests | Runs | 4,481 | 9,230 |
| Tests | Average | 42.7 | 46.9 |
| ODIs | Matches | 145 | 289 |
| ODIs | Runs | 4,596 | 13,626 |
| ODIs | Average | 38.9 | 58.5 |
| T20Is | Matches | 104 | 115 |
| T20Is | Runs | 3,485 | 4,008 |
| T20Is | Average | 41.5 | 52.7 |
Sources: Cricbites (comparison article) and Sporting News India.
The implication: Kohli leads in every cumulative category, but Babar’s averages are competitive, especially in T20Is where he trails by about 11 runs per dismissal. The gap in ODIs is stark – Kohli averages nearly 20 runs more.
Head-to-head performance in international matches
When Pakistan and India meet, both players have faced each other’s bowling attacks. According to Sportskeeda, in ICC tournaments, Kohli has a significantly higher run tally, while Babar has had standout innings in T20 World Cup encounters. However, the sample size is limited because they rarely play bilateral series.
Public opinion and fan following
Virat Kohli’s Instagram following exceeds 250 million, while Babar Azam has over 7 million (Sporting News India). Kohli’s brand value is estimated at over $200 million, compared to Babar’s estimated $5 million net worth. Yet in Pakistan, Babar is the most followed cricketer and a national icon.
Kohli’s global reach and commercial endorsements dwarf Babar’s, but Babar’s popularity in Pakistan is unmatched. The comparison is not just about runs – it’s about market size and cultural footprint.
Can Babar Azam Break Virat Kohli’s Records?
Assessing Babar’s current pace vs Kohli’s career totals
Kohli’s international century tally stands at 85, while Babar has around 31 (The Cricscope (cricket statistics)). To match Kohli, Babar would need roughly 54 more centuries. At his current rate of about 4 centuries per year, it would take over 13 years – a tall order given that Babar is already 30.
Age and remaining career window
Babar was born on 15 October 1994, making him 30 years old as of 2024. Kohli is about 6 years older but has already accumulated the bulk of his records. The age gap works in Babar’s favor, but he needs to maintain peak form for at least another 8–10 years to approach Kohli’s numbers.
What records are realistically achievable?
Babar’s highest ODI average (over 50) and his No. 1 ranking suggest he could target Kohli’s record for most runs in a calendar year or fastest to 10,000 ODI runs. However, surpassing Kohli’s total century count is unlikely without a sustained period of extraordinary form.
What Are Babar Azam’s Career Stats and Net Worth?
Batting stats across formats
As of 2023, Babar has scored 30+ international centuries. His ODI average of 38.9 is lower than his career average in earlier years due to a recent dip, but his T20I average of 41.5 remains elite. In Tests, his average of 42.7 is solid though not in the top tier.
Net worth and endorsements
Babar’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, according to Sporting News India. He endorses brands like Pepsi, Gray-Nicolls, and luxury watches, but his earnings are modest compared to Kohli’s $200 million+ empire.
Personal details: age, wife, religion
Babar Azam was born on 15 October 1994 in Lahore. He married Rida Tariq in 2020 in a private ceremony. He is a practicing Muslim. His father was a former cricketer, and his cousin is all-rounder Umar Akmal.
For Pakistani fans, Babar’s personal story of rising from a cricket-loving family to captain is a source of pride. For international fans, his privacy contrasts with Kohli’s celebrity lifestyle, affecting brand value and media coverage.
Timeline: Babar Azam’s career milestones
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | International debut for Pakistan |
| 2016 | First ODI century |
| 2019 | Appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain |
| 2020 | Appointed ODI captain |
| 2022 | Scored 114 vs Australia in T20 World Cup |
| 2023 | Stepped down from captaincy |
What’s confirmed – and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Babar Azam born in 1994 in Lahore
- Married to Rida Tariq in 2020
- Scored over 30 international centuries
- Has been ranked No. 1 in ICC ODI batting rankings
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth and salary
- Future records he may break
- Full details of endorsement contracts
Voices on Babar vs Kohli
“Captaincy brings pressure, but it also gives you the opportunity to lead from the front. I enjoy the responsibility.”
— Babar Azam, at a press conference before the 2022 T20 World Cup
“Babar has a very sound technique. He is probably the most elegant batsman in the world right now. But Kohli’s numbers speak for themselves.”
— Harsha Bhogle, cricket commentator, in an interview on ESPNcricinfo
“If Babar stays fit and hungry, he can break many records. But comparing him to Kohli at this stage is unfair – Kohli has a decade of dominance behind him.”
— Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain, in a sports show
For Pakistani cricket fans, the choice between rooting for Babar’s elegance and Kohli’s sheer numbers is a luxury. But the data is clear: Kohli is on a different tier of longevity and output. The implication for Babar’s career path is that he must focus on consistency and longevity, not just flashes of brilliance. For Indian fans, the comparison is a reminder of Kohli’s unique place in the sport. For neutral observers, it’s a fascinating case study in how two supreme batsmen can be so different in their career arcs.
stats.espncricinfo.com, gamezy.com, stats.espncricinfo.com, thecricketpanda.com, stats.espncricinfo.com, ipl.com, espncricinfo.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Babar Azam a millionaire?
Yes, his estimated net worth is around $5 million, placing him firmly in the millionaire category.
Is Babar Azam the best batsman in the world?
He is widely considered one of the top batsmen in the world, especially in ODIs and T20Is, but the title of “best” is subjective and depends on format and criteria.
Who is the richest player of Pakistan?
Babar Azam is among the richest, but former players like Shahid Afridi and current teammates like Shaheen Afridi also have significant earnings.
Who is the most loved cricketer?
In Pakistan, Babar Azam is the most popular cricketer. Globally, Virat Kohli has a larger fan base due to India’s massive cricket audience.
What is Babar Azam’s wife’s name?
His wife’s name is Rida Tariq. They married in 2020.
What is Babar Azam’s net worth?
Estimated at $5 million, including endorsements and cricket contracts.
How many centuries has Babar Azam scored in ODIs?
He has scored over 30 international centuries across all formats, including 19 in ODIs as of 2023.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.