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The year 2024 has unfolded as a captivating saga of triumphs and trials for two of the greats of the modern game. Virat Kohli i Babar Azam. Both players, revered for their consistency and ability to dominate in all formats, faced challenges that sparked heated debates among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were analyzed in light of their respective struggles in Test cricket, ODIs and T20Is, culminating in their T20 World Cup campaigns. While Babar’s inconsistency in Tests and Kohli’s struggles in the T20 World Cup drew particular attention, his contrasting performances in ODIs stood as a testament to his adaptability.
The year also highlighted the changing dynamics of international cricket, with both players struggling against form and expectations amid the evolving challenges posed by competitive opposition. Kohli’s resilience in Tests and consistency in ODIs contrasted with his rare failures in T20Is, especially in the World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, showed brilliance in ODIs but found himself struggling with tougher conditions in Test cricket. This comparison sheds light on how these two stalwarts navigated their respective journeys through a demanding cricket schedule.
Breakdown of Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam Fights in 2024
cricket test
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s Test performances in 2024 were a mixed bag. He played in 10 matches, scoring 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with a century to his name. His struggles were particularly evident during the away series against Australia, where he found it a challenge to convert starts into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar faced more pronounced struggles in the longer format. In 5 matches, he managed just 202 runs at an average of 20.20, with no triple figure score. His performance against Australia was underwhelming, averaging just 21 against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical prowess, Babar’s inability to deliver consistently in Tests became a point of contention, highlighting the challenges he faced in adapting to varied conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli didn’t get to play much in 2024. He played just three ODIs and ended up scoring 58 runs. He only played the 3 match match against Sri Lanka. His highest score was 24 in the opening ODI in Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar’s ODI performances were in a class apart in 2024, cementing his status as the world’s top-ranked batsman in the format. He amassed 228 runs in 6 matches at an average of 57, including two fifties. His performance exemplified his command of the format and underlined his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
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T20 Internationals (T20Is)
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s T20I performances in 2024 were consistent but not exceptional. In 10 matches, he scored 180 runs at an average of 18.00 with just one half century. Despite being a reliable run-scorer, Kohli struggled to produce standout performances that could define games in the shorter format.
Babar Azam
Babar, on the other hand, had a more consistent year in T20Is, amassing 738 runs in 24 matches at an average of 33.54 and a strike rate of 133.21. His role in the Pakistan team and his ability to make crucial knocks stood out, although his inability to accelerate at key moments drew criticism.
T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
The T20 World Cup proved to be a low point for Kohli, who managed just 151 runs in eight matches, with a single fifty. His lack of form as a top-order batsman was a major talking point, especially given his stature as a major-match player. This dip in form was uncharacteristic and left fans and critics pondering the reasons for his unremarkable campaign. Not to mention, Kohli also bid adieu to the shorter format after India won the T20 World Cup. He ended his T20I career as the third highest with 4188 runs to his name in 125 games.
Babar Azam
Babar’s World Cup campaign was relatively better, with 122 runs in four matches, including a crucial fifty against Australia. While his strike rate of 101.66 reflected room for improvement in acceleration, his ability to steady innings was a saving grace.
Notably, both Kohli and Babar faced their fair share of challenges in 2024, but their struggles were different in magnitude and impact. Ultimately, the comparison highlights the high expectations of these two modern greats and their ability to meet the challenges of international cricket.
