The cricketing world finds itself engrossed in an ongoing debate surrounding the batting prowess of two exceptional players, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Their performances have captivated fans and experts alike, as they consistently display elegance, skill, and remarkable abilities across all three formats of the game.
However, when it comes to determining who is the better player between the two, humans have failed to arrive at an outright and unanimous decision. Seeking an impartial answer devoid of any preconceived biases, enthusiasts turned to artificial intelligence for a resolution. Bard, the Google AI, was assigned the task of settling this debate once and for all.
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam unquestionably rank among the finest batsmen in the world today. Both players possess impeccable technical skills and the ability to score runs at a rapid pace. Yet, they exhibit certain distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Kohli is widely recognized for his aggressive style of play, always eager to take on the bowlers and dominate the game. His strike rate surpasses that of Babar, indicating a greater penchant for hitting boundaries and sixes. Additionally, Kohli has proven to be a formidable player when it comes to facing spin bowling, demonstrating his proficiency and adaptability in challenging conditions.
On the other hand, Babar is renowned for his patient approach, methodically constructing his innings to ensure longevity and success. He boasts a higher average compared to Kohli, indicating a consistent ability to score runs and convert starts into big scores. Babar’s proficiency against pace bowling is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his composure and technique in handling express pace.
Statistical comparisons have often played a significant role in determining the better player. In this regard, Virat Kohli holds a slight advantage over Babar. He has amassed more runs across all three formats of the game and maintains a higher average in ODIs and Tests. These statistics reflect Kohli’s consistency and ability to perform across different conditions and formats. However, it’s worth considering the age factor, as Babar, being six years younger, has a greater potential to surpass Kohli’s achievements in the future.
Despite the intervention of AI, the task of differentiating between these two modern-day greats remains an arduous one. Both Kohli and Babar exemplify the epitome of world-class players, leaving it to personal preference and individual biases to determine who is the superior batsman.
While fans eagerly anticipate the clash of these titans on the cricket field, uncertainty looms due to the ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This impasse has cast doubt on Pakistan’s participation in significant tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, potentially delaying the much-anticipated showdown between Kohli and Babar.
Their individual accolades further underline their impact on the cricketing world. Virat Kohli secured the prestigious ICC Cricketer of the Year award consecutively in 2017 and 2018, a testament to his extraordinary performances during those years. Meanwhile, Babar Azam claimed the honor in 2022, highlighting his rise to prominence and consistent contributions to the sport. In terms of ODI cricket, both players have clinched the Cricketer of the Year award twice, further solidifying their status as leading stars in the limited-overs format. Additionally, Kohli has also been honored as the Test Cricketer of the Year, an accolade that Babar is yet to attain.
Instead of trying to rank one player above the other, it may be prudent to savor the twilight years of Kohli’s illustrious career while simultaneously witnessing the growth and evolution of Babar in the cricketing landscape. This approach allows cricket