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The year 2024 has unfolded as a captivating saga of triumphs and trials for two of the modern game’s greats, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both players, revered for their consistency and ability to dominate all formats, faced challenges that sparked intense debates among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were analyzed in light of their respective struggles in Test, ODI and T20I cricket, 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 the ODIs stood out as a testament to his adaptability.
The year also highlighted the changing dynamics of international cricket, with both players battling form and expectations amid the changing challenges posed by competitive opposition. Kohli’s resilience in Tests and stability in ODIs contrasted with his rare failures in T20Is, particularly the World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, showed brilliance in the ODIs but found himself dealing 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 and Babar Azam’s fights in 2024
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 a century to his name. His difficulties were particularly evident during the away series against Australia, where he found it difficult to convert outings into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar faced more pronounced struggles in the longer format. In 5 matches, he managed only 202 runs at an average of 20.20, without scoring in triple figures. His performance against Australia was disappointing, averaging just 21 against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical proficiency, Babar’s inability to perform consistently in tests became a point of contention, underscoring the challenges he faced in adapting to varied conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODI)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli did not play much in 2024. He played only three ODIs and ended up scoring 58 runs. He only played the three-match match against Sri Lanka. His highest score was 24 in the inaugural ODI in Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar’s performances in ODIs were a class apart in 2024, cementing his status as the world’s top-ranked batsman in this format. He amassed 228 runs in 6 matches at an average of 57, including two fifties. His performance exemplified his mastery of the format and underlined his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most wickets in 2024 ft. Jasprit Bumrah
T20 Internationals (T20I)
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 a half-century. Despite being a reliable scorer, Kohli struggled to produce game-defining standout performances in the shortest 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 deliver crucial blows was highlighted, although his inability to accelerate at key moments drew criticism.
T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
The T20 World Cup turned out to be a low point for Kohli, who managed just 151 runs in eight matches, including just a fifty. His lack of form as a top-order batsman was a major talking point, especially given his stature as a big-match player. This drop in form was unusual and left fans and critics reflecting on the reasons behind their unremarkable campaign. Not to mention, Kohli also bid adieu to the shorter format after India won the T20 World Cup. He finished his T20I career as the third highest run-getter with 4188 runs to his name in 125 games.
Babar Azam
Babar’s World Cup campaign was relatively better, scoring 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 the innings was a saving grace.
Notably, both Kohli and Babar faced their fair share of challenges in 2024, but their struggles differed in magnitude and impact. Ultimately, the comparison highlights the high expectations placed on these two modern-day greats and their ability to rise to the challenges of international cricket.
