The debate between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli has been brewing for a while, with Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin jumping on the discussion recently to give his take.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised Babar Azam’s talent but emphasized that Virat Kohli’s legacy stands on another level. And to be fair, the numbers and achievements back that claim.
What Did Ashwin Say?
Ashwin didn’t mince his words while acknowledging Babar’s class but felt the constant comparison to Kohli is premature, especially considering the latter’s achievements over his career.
“Definitely, if he [Babar Azam] is given a chance, he will score runs. If there is class, that is okay. I feel we should end this debate once and for all. First of all, across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn’t be mentioned in the same line,” Ashwin said.
He pointed out that while Babar is undoubtedly talented, Kohli has been consistently dominant across terrains and situations, often delivering match-winning performances that few others in world cricket have matched.
“I am very sorry, I really rate Babar Azam as an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli’s credentials are something else.”
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Virat Kohli’s Record
At 35 years old, Kohli’s career has been nothing short of legendary. With over 27,000 international runs and 80 centuries, he’s among the greatest cricketers of all time. Kohli’s batting average of 53.23 across 535 matches, combined with his knack for rising to the occasion in crucial matches, sets him apart
Ashwin also pointed out that, aside from Kohli, the only current player who comes close in Test cricket is England’s Joe Root. But even then, Kohli’s impact across all three formats is what makes him such a complete cricketer.
Babar Azam’s Path
Babar Azam, meanwhile, is at a critical juncture in his career. After debuting in 2015, he quickly rose to become one of the finest batters in the world, especially in ODIs. His average of 56.72 in 117 ODIs is nothing to scoff at, and his 19 centuries are a testament to his ability.
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But his recent form, especially in Test cricket, has raised some eyebrows. His last 50-plus score in Test cricket came back in December 2022, and he has been averaging just 20.70 in his last 17 Test innings.
That’s a steep decline for someone hailed as one of the best, and it’s perhaps why comparisons to Kohli seem misplaced at the moment. Ashwin, while confident that Babar can bounce back, feels the timing of the debate is off, especially given Kohli’s staggering list of accomplishments.
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