The year 2024 unfolded as a captivating saga of triumphs and trials for two of the game’s modern-day greats. Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both players, respected for their consistency and ability to dominate across formats, have been plagued by issues that have sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were scrutinized against the backdrop of their struggles in Test cricket, ODIs and T20Is, culminating in the T20 World Cup campaign. While Babar’s inconsistency in Tests and Kohli’s struggles in the T20 World Cup drew particular attention, their contrasting performances in ODIs stood out as a testament to their adaptability.
The year also highlighted the changing dynamics of international cricket, with both players struggling with form and expectations amid evolving challenges posed by competitive opposition. Kohli’s consistency in Tests and consistency in ODIs contrasted with his rare failures in T20Is, especially in the World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, has shown brilliance in ODIs but has found himself struggling in Test cricket against tougher conditions. This comparison sheds light on how these two stalwarts manage their journey through a demanding cricket calendar.
A breakdown of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s struggles in 2024
Test cricket
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s Test performances in 2024 were mixed. He played 10 matches and scored 417 runs at an average of 24.52. His struggles were particularly evident during the away series against Australia, where he struggled to convert starts into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar faced more pronounced struggles in the longest format. In 5 matches, he managed just 202 runs at an average of 20.20, without a triple score. His performance against Australia was poor, averaging 21 against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical prowess, Babar’s inability to perform consistently in Tests has become a topic of discussion, highlighting the difficulties he faces in adapting to different conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli could not play much in 2024. He played just three ODIs and scored 58 runs. He only played in 3 matches against Sri Lanka. His highest score was 24 in the opening ODI in Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar’s ODI performances in 2024 were a class apart, cementing his status as the world’s top-order batsman in the format. He scored 228 runs in 6 matches at an average of 57 including two fifties. His performance demonstrated his dominance in the format and highlighted his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
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T20 International (T20Is)
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s T20I performances in 2024 were solid but not exceptional. In 10 matches, he scored 180 runs at an average of 18.00 with just one half-century. Despite being a reliable scorer, Kohli has struggled to produce outstanding performances that can decide games in the shortest format.
Babar Azam
Babar, on the other hand, had a more consistent year in T20Is, scoring 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 hit important shots have attracted attention, although his failure to pick up pace at key moments has drawn criticism.
T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
The T20 World Cup was a low point for Kohli, who managed just 151 runs in eight matches and had one fifty. As a top-order batsman, his lack of form was a major talking point, especially given his stature as a big-match player. This dip in form was uncharacteristic and has left fans and critics wondering about the reasons behind his unusual campaign. After India won the T20 World Cup, Kohli also said goodbye to the shortest format. He ended his T20I career as the third highest run-getter with 4188 runs to his name in 125 games.
Babar Azam
Babar had a relatively good World Cup campaign, scoring 122 runs in four matches, including a crucial fifty against Australia. While his strike rate of 101.66 reflects the scope for improvement in acceleration, his ability to stabilize the innings was a saving grace.
Notably, both Kohli and Babar have faced their fair share of challenges in 2024, but their struggles have differed in scale and impact. The comparison ultimately highlights the high expectations placed on these two modern day greats and their ability to rise to the challenges of international cricket.
