In the world of cricket, few names resonate as powerfully as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Both players have carved out legendary careers and captivated millions with their extraordinary talents. Interestingly, their names share a common meaning, reflecting qualities of bravery and heroism.

The Meaning Behind the Names

Etymology of Virat

The name “Virat” is derived from Sanskrit, where it means “brave” or “gigantic hero.” It signifies someone with great strength and courage, qualities that Kohli embodies on the cricket field with his aggressive and fearless batting style.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: IND vs PAK, Match 19 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Etymology of Babar Azam

“Babar” has Persian origins, meaning “brave” or “lion.” “Azam” translates to “great” or “magnificent” in Arabic. Together, Babar Azam’s name conveys the idea of a brave and victorious individual, aptly describing his role as a leading batsman for Pakistan.

Emergence of Babar Azam

In 2015, Babar Azam emerged as a batter who would transform Pakistan’s batting lineup. Known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, Babar quickly became the backbone of Pakistan’s batting order.

Babar Azam’s rise led to inevitable comparisons with India’s Virat Kohli. Both players are known for their stylish batting and ability to dominate any bowling attack, making them pivotal for their respective teams.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam

While Virat Kohli has been a cornerstone for India across formats, Babar Azam’s consistency and elegance have drawn comparisons. Kohli’s records in T20Is and World Cups are formidable, but Babar’s steady rise promises a thrilling rivalry.

Both Kohli and Babar are essential to their team’s success. Kohli’s ability to chase targets and Babar’s role as a reliable top-order batsman make them invaluable.

T20 World Cup Encounters

India and Pakistan have faced each other several times in T20 World Cups. Each encounter brings high stakes and dramatic moments, from the inaugural 2007 final to recent matches.

Key performances include Kohli’s unbeaten 78 in 2016 and Babar’s match-winning 68* in 2021. These performances highlight the intense competition between the two teams.

Record Performances

Virat Kohli’s Records Against Pakistan

1. Most Runs: Kohli has scored 308 runs against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, the highest by any player against a single opponent.
2. Batting Average: His average of 308 against Pakistan in T20 World Cups is unmatched.
3. 50+ Scores: Kohli’s four 50+ scores against Pakistan are the joint-most by any batter against a single opponent in T20 World Cups.
4. Most Fours: Kohli’s 30 fours against Pakistan in T20 World Cups are the joint-most against a single opponent.
5. Player of the Match Awards: Kohli has won this award thrice against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, the most by any player against a single opponent.

Virat Kohli’s overall stats vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

Total Matches – 5

Total Innings – 5

Runs Scored – 308

Batting Average – 308

Batting Strike Rate – 132.75

100/50 – 0/4

Best Score – 82*

Babar Azam’s Notable Achievements

Babar Azam does not carry a very impressive T20I record against India. He has played four matches and scored 92 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 127.77. He scored unbeaten 68 runs in his first T20I outing against India in October 2021. He scored 10 and 14 in the next two innings before getting out for a duck in his last T20I outing against India at the MCG in T20 World Cup 2022.

Babar’s notable performance includes his unbeaten 68 in the 2021 T20 World Cup, making him the only captain to lead Pakistan to a World Cup victory against India.

Babar Azam record vs India in T20I cricket

Matches: 4

Runs: 92

Average: 30.66

SR: 127.77

Babar Azam record vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

Matches: 2

Runs: 68

Average: 68

SR: 128.30

Fifties: 1

Highest Score: 68*

Upcoming Clash in 2024 T20 World Cup

India and Pakistan will meet in Match 19 of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup on June 9 in New York. This highly anticipated clash is expected to draw massive viewership.

Eyes will be on Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who recently became the leading run-getter in T20Is, and Virat Kohli, who remains a key player for India.