Searching "Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli" usually means you want a straight answer: who is better right now, and who should you captain in fantasy cricket? This guide summarises what matters, then links to CricketDream's live head-to-head comparison with full career numbers across formats.
Quick answer: who is better?
There is no single winner across every format and role. Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are Pakistan's captain vs India's run machine. The fair comparison splits T20I, ODI, Test (where applicable) and recent IPL form, then weighs what you actually need: runs, wickets, strike rate or fantasy points.
What to compare before picking a captain
- Recent form (last 5–10 innings) vs career average
- Strike rate / economy in the format you are playing fantasy for
- Venue and opposition if the match is today
- Role ceiling: an opener faces more balls; a bowler peaks on wicket hauls
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: international numbers side by side
Career figures are up to 2026-08-27, taken from completed international matches only.
T20I record
Babar Azam has played 145 T20Is and Virat Kohli 125. Babar Azam has 4,596 runs at 39.0 (strike rate 129.8), against 4,188 at 48.7 (137.0) for Virat Kohli, so Babar Azam has scored more. Hundreds: Babar Azam 3, Virat Kohli 1. Fifties: 39 and 38.
ODI record
Babar Azam has played 143 ODIs and Virat Kohli 315. Babar Azam has 6,626 runs at 53.4, against 15,080 at 59.1 (95.5) for Virat Kohli, so Virat Kohli has scored more. Hundreds: Babar Azam 20, Virat Kohli 55. Fifties: 38 and 79. Virat Kohli also bowls: 5 wickets at an economy of 6.16, while Babar Azam has not taken a ODI wicket.
Test record
Babar Azam has played 66 Tests and Virat Kohli 123. Babar Azam has 4,771 runs at 43.0 (strike rate 56.2), against 9,230 at 46.9 (55.6) for Virat Kohli, so Virat Kohli has scored more. Hundreds: Babar Azam 9, Virat Kohli 30. Fifties: 34 and 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is better: Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Open the live comparison at /compare/babar-azam-vs-virat-kohli for side-by-side T20I, ODI, Test and IPL stats. Numbers update from CricketDream's player database, use the format tabs to see who leads in the discipline you care about.
Who should I captain in fantasy: Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Captain the player with the higher ceiling for today's format and venue. If one is an all-rounder with bat-and-ball points, they often outscore a pure batter on a helpful pitch. Check the compare page's IPL fantasy averages when the match is a franchise game.
Who has more T20I runs, Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Babar Azam has more T20I runs: Babar Azam has 4,596 in 145 matches (average 39.0) and Virat Kohli has 4,188 in 125 (average 48.7).
Who has the better T20I strike rate?
Virat Kohli scores faster in T20Is: Babar Azam strikes at 129.8 and Virat Kohli at 137.0.
Who has more ODI runs, Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli has more ODI runs: Babar Azam has 6,626 in 143 matches (average 53.4) and Virat Kohli has 15,080 in 315 (average 59.1).
Who has more Test runs, Babar Azam or Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli has more Test runs: Babar Azam has 4,771 in 66 matches (average 43.0) and Virat Kohli has 9,230 in 123 (average 46.9).
See every stat for Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: batting, bowling and fantasy points.
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