Babar Azam's recent performance in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable, and it's no wonder he's quickly rising through the ranks. The Pakistani batter has just achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first batter in the 2020s to score 9,000 international runs. This feat is all the more impressive considering the competition he's up against.
In a stark contrast to Babar's success, Virat Kohli, who dominated international cricket in the previous decade, now finds himself in a less favorable position. Kohli, once the king of the game, has slipped to sixth place on the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket since January 2020. This decline is a far cry from his earlier dominance, which saw him lead the charts with an astonishing 20,960 runs from 431 innings at an average of 57.58, including 69 centuries and 98 fifties.
Babar's achievement is all the more notable given his recent injury and subsequent return to the Test side. He scored a half-century in the second Test against Bangladesh, top-scoring for Pakistan in the first innings with 68 runs off 84 balls, including 10 boundaries. This performance helped Pakistan recover from a difficult position, posting 232 runs and reducing Bangladesh's lead to 46 runs.
The 2020s have seen Babar's stock rise rapidly. He has now scored 9,060 runs from 231 innings across 212 international matches this decade at an average of 42.53. This includes 17 centuries, the third-highest among batters after Joe Root and Shubman Gill. Babar's consistency and ability to perform under pressure have solidified his place as one of the best batters in the world.
Kohli, on the other hand, has faced a series of setbacks. His retirement from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025 has effectively removed him from India's setup in all formats. This, coupled with his current form, has led to a decline in his rankings. Kohli's struggle to maintain his earlier dominance is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of cricket and the intense competition at the top level.
The contrast between Babar and Kohli's careers is a fascinating study in the dynamics of international cricket. Babar's rise is a story of resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Kohli's fall, on the other hand, serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of sporting glory and the constant need for adaptation and improvement.
As the 2020s continue, it will be intriguing to see how both batters navigate their respective journeys. Babar's current form suggests a bright future, while Kohli's retirement from key formats may impact his overall performance. The cricket world will undoubtedly be watching, eager to see how these two talented individuals shape their legacies in the sport.
