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, known for their consistency and ability to dominate in various competitions, faced challenges that sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. As the year progressed, their performances were scrutinized in light of their struggles in Test cricket, ODIs, T20Is, culminating in their T20 World Cup campaigns. While Babar's inconsistency in Tests and Kohli's struggles in the T20 World Cup have drawn particular attention, their inconsistent performances in ODIs have stood out as evidence of their ability to adapt.
The year also highlighted the changing dynamics in international cricket, with players struggling with form and expectations amid the evolving challenges posed by competitive competition. Kohli's resilience in Tests and stability in ODIs contrasts with his rare failures in T20Is, especially in the World Cup. Babar, on the other hand, showed his brilliance in ODIs but found himself grappling with tougher conditions in Test cricket. This comparison sheds light on how these two stars navigate their journeys through a demanding cricket calendar.
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's struggles break down in 2024
Test cricket
Virat Kohli
Kohli's Test performances in 2024 have been 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 difficult to convert his starts into big scores, averaging just 27.83.
Babar Azam
Babar has had more noticeable struggles in the longer format. In 5 matches, he managed just 202 runs at an average of 20.20, without hitting a hat-trick. His performance against Australia was disappointing, as he averaged just 21 runs against a formidable bowling attack. Despite his technical proficiency, Babar's inability to perform consistently in Tests became a talking point, underscoring the challenges he faced in adapting to the varied conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
In ODIs, Kohli couldn't play much in 2024. He played just three ODIs and ended up scoring 58 runs. He played only the 3-match home match against Sri Lanka. His highest score was 24 in the opening ODI in Colombo.
Babar Azam
Babar's ODI performances have been outstanding in 2024, cementing his place as the world's top-ranked batsman in the format. He has accumulated 228 runs in 6 matches at an average of 57 including fifty. His performance exemplified his dominance of form and emphasized his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
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T20 Internationals (T20Is)
Virat Kohli
Kohli's T20I performance in 2024 has been consistent 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 run-scorer, Kohli has struggled to produce standout performances that can decide the tone of matches in the shortest format.
Babar Azam
In contrast, Babar has 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 national team and his ability to deliver decisive blows stood out, although his inability to accelerate in crucial moments sparked criticism.
T20 World Cup 2024
Virat Kohli
The T20 World Cup proved to be a low point for Kohli, who managed just 151 runs in eight matches, including a fifty once. His lack of form as a top-order batsman was an important point of discussion, especially given his status as a big-match player. This drop in form was uncharacteristic and left fans and pundits pondering the reasons behind his unremarkable campaign. Not to mention, Kohli also bid farewell to the shortest format after India's T20 World Cup win. He finished his T20I career as the third highest bowler with 4,188 runs to his name in 125 matches.
Babar Azam
Babar's World Cup campaign was comparatively better, with him making 122 in four matches, including a crucial fifty against Australia. While his strike rate of 101.66 reflects room for improvement in acceleration, his ability to stabilize the innings has been a saving grace.
It is worth noting that both Kohli and Babar faced their fair share of challenges in 2024, but their struggles differed in size 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.
