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The year 2024 has unfolded as a fascinating saga of triumphs and trials for two greats of the modern game, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both players, revered for their consistency and ability to dominate across formats, have faced challenges that have fueled heated debates among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were scrutinized in light of their 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, their contrasting performances in ODIs stood out as proof of their adaptability.
The year also highlighted the changing dynamics of international cricket, with both players struggling with form and expectations amid increasing challenges posed by competitive opposition. Kohli’s resilience in Tests and stability in ODIs contrast 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 powerhouses navigated their journeys through the demanding cricket calendar.
Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam 2024 Fight Preview
Test cricket
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s Test performances in 2024 were mixed. He played in 10 matches, scoring 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with one century to his name. His struggles were particularly evident during the away series against Australia, where he struggled to convert starts into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar had more pronounced struggles in the longest format. In 5 matches, he managed to score only 202 runs at an average of 20.20, without a triple-digit score. His performance against Australia was unconvincing, averaging just 21 against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical expertise, Babar’s inability to consistently deliver tests became a point of debate, highlighting the challenges he faced in adapting to different conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli could not play much in 2024. He played only three ODIs and ended up scoring 58 points. He played only a 3-match stretch against Sri Lanka. His highest score was 24 in the opening ODI in Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar’s ODI performances have been 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 demonstrated his dominance in the format and highlighted his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
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T20 International (T20Is)
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s T20I performance in 2024 has been steady but not exceptional. In 10 matches he scored 180 runs at an average of 18.00 with only one half-century. Despite being a reliable scorer, Kohli has struggled to produce outstanding performances that could define matches in the shortest format.
Babar Azam
Babar, in contrast, has 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 ability to deliver key shots was highlighted, although his inability to accelerate at crucial times 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 one fifty. His lack of form as a top batsman has been a significant talking point, especially given his stature as a big-match player. This dip in form has been uncharacteristic and has left fans and critics alike pondering the reasons behind his lackluster campaign. Not to mention, Kohli also bid farewell to the shortest format after India won the T20 World Cup. He ended his T20I career as the third highest run-getter with 4188 runs to his name in 125 matches.
Babar Azam
Babar’s World Cup campaign was comparatively 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 stabilize the innings was a saving grace.
Notably, both Kohli and Babar faced a number of challenges in 2024, but their struggles differed in magnitude and impact. The comparison ultimately highlights the high expectations placed on these two modern greats and their ability to handle the challenges of international cricket.
