Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have been two of the most prominent batters in ODI cricket during their respective careers.
Both have produced significant numbers in 50-over cricket, although Kohli has played considerably more matches and has accumulated a much larger career run tally. Babar, meanwhile, has maintained a strong batting average across his ODI career.
The latest available career figures provide a useful statistical comparison between the two players.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam ODI Stats
ODI Stat | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
Matches | 314 | 143 |
Innings | 302 | 140 |
Runs | 14,941 | 6,626 |
Average | 58.59 | 53.44 |
Strike Rate | 93.95 | 86.59 |
Highest Score | 183 | 158 |
Centuries | 54 | 20 |
Fifties | 79 | 38 |
Statistics reflect the comparison figures provided from the latest available ODI records. Career numbers can change whenever either player plays another ODI.
Virat Kohli's ODI Record
Virat Kohli has built one of the biggest ODI run tallies in international cricket.
He made his ODI debut in 2008 and has remained a central figure in India's batting lineup throughout his career.
In the comparison figures, Kohli has 14,941 ODI runs from 314 matches, with a batting average of 58.59 and a strike rate of 93.95.
His highest ODI score is 183, which he made against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup.
Kohli's ODI record also includes 54 centuries and 79 fifties in the comparison figures.
Babar Azam's ODI Record
Babar Azam made his ODI debut in 2015 and quickly established himself as one of Pakistan's leading batters.
According to the comparison figures, Babar has scored 6,626 runs in 143 ODIs, with an average of 53.44 and a strike rate of 86.59.
He has recorded 20 ODI centuries and 38 fifties, while his highest score is 158.
Although Babar has played fewer matches than Kohli, his ODI average remains above 50 across his career.
Kohli vs Babar: ODI Centuries
There is a significant difference between the two players in terms of ODI centuries.
Virat Kohli: 54 centuries
Babar Azam: 20 centuries
Kohli's long ODI career has given him considerably more opportunities to accumulate runs and hundreds, while Babar has built his century tally over a shorter international career.
Batting Average and Strike Rate
Kohli's career average in the comparison figures stands at 58.59, compared with 53.44 for Babar.
Kohli also has the higher listed strike rate, at 93.95, while Babar's figure is 86.59.
These numbers cover different stages of two careers, so the raw figures need to be considered alongside the number of matches and innings each player has completed.
ICC ODI Batting Rankings
The latest ICC Men's ODI batting rankings referenced in the comparison place:
Rank | Player | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|
1 | Shubman Gill | 816 |
2 | Virat Kohli | 796 |
6 | Babar Azam | 689 |
The rankings are separate from career statistics and can change after every eligible international series.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Key ODI Numbers
Virat Kohli
314 ODI matches
14,941 runs
58.59 average
93.95 strike rate
54 centuries
79 fifties
183 highest score
Babar Azam
143 ODI matches
6,626 runs
53.44 average
86.59 strike rate
20 centuries
38 fifties
158 highest score
Different Stages of Their ODI Careers
One of the most important factors in comparing Kohli and Babar is their difference in international experience.
Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008, while Babar made his debut in 2015.
That seven-year difference means Kohli has had considerably more opportunities to play international cricket and accumulate career runs.
Babar has nevertheless established a substantial ODI record during his shorter career, including more than 6,600 runs and 20 centuries.
A Statistical Comparison Across Two Generations
Kohli and Babar have frequently been compared because both have been central figures for India and Pakistan respectively.
Their careers have developed during different periods of ODI cricket.
Kohli emerged as an international batter in the late 2000s and became one of India's most productive run-scorers. Babar followed several years later and established himself as a key component of Pakistan's batting lineup.
Their statistical profiles therefore provide a comparison between two players who have operated at the highest level while having different lengths of international experience.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, both names remain prominent in discussions around the next generation of international 50-over cricket.
FAQs
Who has scored more ODI runs, Virat Kohli or Babar Azam?
Virat Kohli has the higher career ODI run tally in the comparison figures, with 14,941 runs compared with 6,626 for Babar Azam.
Who has more ODI centuries?
Virat Kohli has more ODI centuries in the comparison figures, with 54, while Babar Azam has 20.
Who has the higher ODI batting average?
Kohli's listed career average is 58.59, compared with Babar's 53.44.
Who has the higher ODI strike rate?
Kohli's listed strike rate is 93.95, while Babar's is 86.59.
Who has the higher ODI score?
Virat Kohli's highest ODI score is 183, while Babar Azam's highest score is 158.
Who is ranked higher in the latest ICC ODI rankings?
The September 30, 2026 rankings referenced here place Virat Kohli at No. 2 and Babar Azam at No. 6.
When did Virat Kohli and Babar Azam make their ODI debuts?
Virat Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008, while Babar Azam made his ODI debut in 2015.
Final Word
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have built substantial ODI records for India and Pakistan, with their careers spanning different periods of international cricket.
Kohli's longer career is reflected in his much higher total of ODI runs and centuries, while Babar has maintained a strong average despite playing considerably fewer matches.
Their numbers will continue to evolve as both players add to their ODI careers, particularly with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
