For over a decade, Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries seemed untouchable. The “Little Master” was a class apart, and his record stood as a towering milestone in the world of cricket.
But then came Virat Kohli, who not only matched the legend but surpassed him, becoming the first cricketer in history to notch up 50 ODI tons. Now, the cricketing world is abuzz with a new question:
“Can Babar Azam, who has already established himself as one of the top batters of his generation, break Kohli’s record?”
Babar Azam: A Run-Machine in the Making
Babar Azam is no stranger to breaking records. With 19 ODI centuries to his name and an impressive average of 56.72, the Pakistani captain has shown that he has the skills and temperament to score big.
He’s been a consistent performer for Pakistan, often carrying the team’s batting lineup on his shoulders. But while the numbers are impressive, they also tell a more complex story.
Read More: ‘Virat Kohli Not Interested In Babar Azam’s Records
The Challenge Ahead
Virat Kohli’s journey to 50 centuries wasn’t just about his extraordinary talent; it was also about the sheer volume of ODIs he played. Kohli was fortunate to be at his peak during a time when ODIs were still a central part of international cricket schedules.
In contrast, Babar Azam is facing a different landscape. With the rise of T20 cricket and the increasing focus on franchise leagues, the number of ODIs being played has significantly reduced.
From 2020 to 2023, Babar has only played 43 ODIs, a stark contrast to the number of matches played by Kohli during the same stage of his career. And as of August 2024, Babar is yet to play a single ODI this year.
Form and Fitness: Key Factors for Babar Azam
Another factor to consider is form. While Babar started his ODI career at a rapid pace, his form across formats has seen a dip in recent times. In 2023, he scored 1,065 runs in 25 matches, but most of those runs came in the first half of the year.
His performance in the ODI World Cup was below par, with no centuries to his name. However, Babar is still only 29 years old. If he stays fit and continues to play at the highest level for another 7-8 years, or even 10 years, there’s no reason why he can’t challenge Kohli’s record.
Read More: “Babar Azam Has Best Technique In The World,” Says Former Player
Is Breaking the Record Possible?
The task ahead for Babar Azam is daunting. He needs 32 more ODI centuries to surpass Virat Kohli, and with the current trend of fewer ODIs, it seems almost impossible. However, if Babar can maintain his fitness and form, and if Pakistan plays enough ODIs in the coming years, he could get close.
In cricket, nothing is certain. Records are made to be broken, and Babar has already shown that he has the talent to do extraordinary things. Whether he can break Kohli’s record remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—cricket fans will be eagerly watching his journey.
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