the latest, high-profile exclusive for Code Sports Australianoted cricket writer Daniel Cherney Into the mind of Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam. In a rare moment of candid self-reflection and peer review, Babar’s traditional ‘Fab Four’ (Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root). Categorized by format, his picks offer a unique window into how one of the greatest technicians of the modern era views his contemporaries’ technical superiority and match-winning impact.
Babar Azam ranks Kohli, Smith, Root and Williamson: Who tops all formats, especially in Test cricket?
Babar’s ranking reveals a clear difference between white ball dominance and red ball mastery. By placing Virat Kohli at the top of the all-format list, he acknowledged the Indian veteran’s unique ability to manipulate chases in all conditions. On the contrary, his Test ratings were crowned Steve Smith like the ultimate purist’s nightmare, especially the upgrade Joe Root into second place, indicating the Englishman’s prolific run-scoring in the last 24 months.
1. All Format Ranking:
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Steve Smith (Australia)
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- Joe Root (England)
.@babarazam258reveals his all-format big four rankings@codesportsau.
1. Virat Kohli
2. Steve Smith
3. Kane Williamson
4. Joe Root+ Pakistani superstar’s views on rule/calendar changes, long-term goals and SCG.https://t.co/01OpeKDUhy pic.twitter.com/gH1epIlkTY
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 15, 2026
2. Test Compliance:
- Steve Smith (Australia)
- Joe Root (England)
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Also READ: Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid reveal their picks for cricket’s next Fab 4
Babar’s form: International struggles and BBL debut for Sydney Sixers
While Babar’s pundit analysis is sharp, his own pitching form heading into early 2026 has been the subject of intense scrutiny. After amassing 1,065 international runs in 2025, a tally that reflects his heavy workload, while declining elite efficiency (averages of 34.3 in T20Is and 31.5 in Tests) Babar has faced questions about his strike rate and impact in the big game. Against his last century Sri Lanka It was a much-needed drought breaker in November 2025, but his Test average has hovered around a modest 24.75 over the last two years.
Her long awaited role as a girl Big Bash League (BBL 15) with Sydney Sixers proved to be a trial by fire. Babar, who plays on raucous Australian tracks, struggles to find his signature rhythm:
- BBL Performance (2025/26): In his first 8 games, he managed just 154 runs at a disappointing strike rate. 104.05.
- Flash of Brightness: His notable moment came on New Year’s Day 2026, where he chased down an undefeated opponent. 58 (46)* vs Melbourne Renegades.
Also READ: Statistical comparison of Fab 4 centuries in Test cricket since 2021 ft Virat Kohli
