The cricket world is abuzz with the recent achievements of Babar Azam, the Pakistani batter who has been making waves in the 2020s. In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Azam has become the first batter to reach a significant milestone in the current decade, scoring 9,000 international runs. This achievement is all the more impressive considering the competition he faces from some of the best batters in the game. One name that inevitably comes up in this context is Virat Kohli, the former India captain who dominated international cricket in the previous decade. But how do these two cricketing legends compare? Babar Azam's rise to the top is a testament to his skill and consistency. In just 231 innings, he has amassed 9,060 runs at an average of 42.53, with 17 centuries to his name. This places him third among batters for the most centuries in the 2020s, behind Joe Root and Shubman Gill. The fact that Azam has achieved this in a relatively short period of time is a clear indication of his talent and potential. On the other hand, Kohli, who retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025, has scored 6,771 runs from 182 innings since January 2020. This places him sixth on the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket during the 2020s. While Kohli's numbers are still impressive, they do not match the sheer volume of runs Azam has accumulated in a similar timeframe. The difference in their rankings can be attributed to the fact that Azam has been consistently performing at a high level, whereas Kohli's career has seen a decline in recent years. Babar Azam's achievement is all the more remarkable when considering the challenges he has faced. Pakistan's cricket team has been through a period of instability, and Azam has had to navigate these turbulent waters while maintaining his form. His ability to perform under pressure and in challenging conditions is a testament to his mental fortitude and skill. The comparison between Azam and Kohli raises an interesting question: what makes a batter truly great? Is it the sheer volume of runs scored, or is it the consistency and reliability with which a batter performs? Babar Azam's achievement suggests that a combination of both factors is essential. His ability to score runs consistently, even in the face of adversity, sets him apart from many other batters. In my opinion, Azam's rise to the top is a sign of the changing dynamics in international cricket. The game is becoming more competitive, with a wider range of batters emerging as top performers. This shift in the cricketing landscape is likely to continue, with new talents challenging the established stars. As for Kohli, his decline in recent years is a reminder that even the greatest players are not immune to the ebb and flow of their careers. While he may not have reached the same heights as Azam, his legacy as one of the greatest batters of all time remains intact. The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli highlights the evolving nature of cricket and the constant pursuit of excellence. As the game continues to evolve, new stars will rise, and the battle for supremacy will remain fierce. But for now, Babar Azam stands tall as the first batter to reach 9,000 international runs in the 2020s, a testament to his skill, consistency, and determination.
