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| Virat Kohli and Babar Azam | CricAffairs |
The game of cricket has always been dominated by fierce rivalries, whether it’s between teams or players. In recent times, the rivalry between Virat Kohli, and Babar Azam, the Pakistani cricket team captain, has been gaining a lot of attention. Both players are considered to be among the best batsmen in the world, and their performances on the field have often been compared. In this article, we will take a closer look at the two players and their rivalry.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is often referred to as the ‘King of Cricket‘ by his fans. He was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. Kohli is a right-handed batsman and has been playing for the Indian Cricket team since 2008. He was appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2017, and since then, he had led his team to several victories.
Kohli’s batting style is aggressive, and he is known for his ability to score runs quickly. He has a remarkable ability to read the game and adapt his batting style accordingly. Kohli has scored 27 Test centuries, 46 ODI centuries, and 1 T20I century. He has an impressive average of 48.49 in Tests, 57.7 in ODIs, and 52.74 in T20Is.
Kohli’s technique is impeccable, and he is known for his cover drive, which is often described as one of the best in the world. He has a strong work ethic and is always looking to improve his game. Kohli is also known for his aggressive captaincy style, and he has led India to several memorable victories in recent years.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam is often referred to as the ‘Modern Day Bradman’ by his fans. He was born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Pakistan. Azam is a right-handed batsman and has been playing for the Pakistani Cricket team since 2015. He was appointed as the captain of the Pakistani cricket team in 2020, and since then, he has been leading his team with great passion and commitment.
Azam’s batting style is elegant, and he is known for his ability to score runs with ease. He has a remarkable ability to time the ball perfectly, and he is often compared to some of the greatest batsmen in the world. Azam has scored 9 Test centuries, 17 ODI centuries, and 2 T20I centuries. He has an impressive average of 44.22 in Tests, 56.84 in ODIs, and 49.03 in T20Is.
Azam’s technique is flawless, and he is known for his ability to play all around the ground. He has a calm and composed demeanor, and he is often compared to the legendary Pakistani batsman, Inzamam-ul-Haq. Azam is also known for his strong leadership skills, and he has been instrumental in turning the fortunes of the Pakistani cricket team.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam has been gaining a lot of attention in recent times. Both players are considered to be among the best batsmen in the world, and their performances on the field have often been compared. The two players have never played against each other in a Test match, but they have faced each other several times in ODIs and T20Is.
In ODIs, Kohli has scored 2588 runs against Pakistan at an average of 45.05, while Azam has scored 1092 runs against India at an average of 60.66. In T20Is, Kohli has scored 1026 runs against Pakistan at an average of 51.30, while Azam has scored 356 runs against India at an average of 35.60. While the sample size is relatively small, it is clear that both players have performed well against each other’s teams.
When it comes to individual statistics, Kohli has a better record in terms of runs scored and batting average in both Tests and ODIs. However, Azam has a better average in T20Is. This highlights the fact that while both players are exceptional batsmen, they excel in different formats of the game.
Apart from their individual statistics, the two players are also compared in terms of their leadership skills. Kohli has been leading the Indian cricket team since 2017 and has led the team to several important victories, including the 2019 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan. On the other hand, Azam was appointed as the captain of the Pakistani cricket team in 2020, and he has already made a significant impact by leading the team to a T20I series win against South Africa.
The rivalry between Kohli and Azam is not just limited to their performances on the field. Both players have a massive fan following on social media, and their fans often engage in heated debates about who is the better batsman. The two players have also been involved in several social media campaigns, which have further fueled their rivalry.
What makes this rivalry unique is the fact that it is not just limited to the players themselves. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the biggest in cricket, and the performances of Kohli and Azam are often seen as a reflection of the two nations’ cricketing prowess. This adds an extra layer of excitement to their encounters on the field.
The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is one of the most exciting in modern-day cricket. Both players are exceptional batsmen and leaders in their own right, and their performances on the field have often been compared. While Kohli has a better record in terms of runs scored and batting average in Tests and ODIs, Azam has a better average in T20Is. However, what makes this rivalry unique is the fact that it is not just limited to the players themselves. The rivalry between India and Pakistan adds an extra layer of excitement to their encounters on the field. Regardless of who comes out on top in this rivalry, one thing is for sure – cricket fans around the world will be treated to some exceptional performances by two of the best batsmen in the world.