The year 2024 has 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, revered for their consistency and ability to dominate across formats, faced challenges that sparked intense debates among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were scrutinized in light of their respective struggles in Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is, culminating in their campaigns at the T20 World Cup. 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 shifting dynamics of international cricket, with both players battling form and expectations amidst the evolving challenges posed by competitive opposition. Kohli’s resilience in Tests and stability in ODIs contrasted with his rare failures in T20Is, particularly at the World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, showcased brilliance in ODIs but found himself grappling with tougher conditions in Test cricket. This comparison sheds light on how these two stalwarts navigated their respective journeys through a demanding cricketing calendar.
Breakdown of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s struggles in 2024
Test cricket
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s Test performances in 2024 were a mixed bag. He played in 10 matches, scoring 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with one century to his name. His struggles were particularly evident during the away series against Australia, where he found it challenging to convert starts into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar faced more pronounced struggles in the longest format. Across 5 matches, he managed only 202 runs at an average of 20.20, with no triple figure score. His performance against Australia was underwhelming, averaging just 21 against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical proficiency, Babar’s inability to deliver consistently in Tests became a point of discussion, underscoring the challenges he faced in adapting to varied conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli didn’t get to play much in the 2024. He played only three ODIs and ended up scoring 58 runs. He only played the 3-match leg against Sri Lanka. His highest score was of 24 in the opening ODI at Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar’s ODI performances were a class apart in 2024, cementing his status as the world’s top-ranked batter in the format. He amassed 228 runs in 6 matches at an average of 57, including two fifties. His performance exemplified his dominance in the format and underscored his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
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T20 Internationals (T20Is)
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s T20I performances in 2024 were steady but not exceptional. In 10 matches, he scored 180 runs at an average of 18.00 with only one half-century. Despite being a reliable scorer, Kohli struggled to produce standout performances that could define games in the shortest format.
Babar Azam
Babar, in contrast, 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 ability to deliver crucial knocks stood out, although his inability to accelerate in key moments drew criticism.
T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
The T20 World Cup proved to be a low point for Kohli, who managed only 151 runs in eight matches, featuring a single fifty. His lack of form as a top-order batter was a significant talking point, especially given his stature as a big-match player. This dip in form was uncharacteristic and left fans and critics pondering the reasons behind his unremarkable campaign. Not to mention, Kohli also bid farewell to shortest format after India won the T20 World Cup. He ended 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, with 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 stabilize 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. 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.
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