Breaking: In 2025, the cricket world is locked in a new rivalry — Virat Kohli vs Babar — as fans, analysts, and former players debate who holds the crown in this new era. With Kohli’s reinvention, Babar’s steady consistency, and shifts in team leadership, the story is rich with emotion, controversy, and high stakes.
Kohli’s Return & Reinvention — After retiring from Tests, Kohli is now refocusing on ODIs and leadership roles.
Babar’s Quiet Consistency — Babar Azam maintains elite rankings and stability for Pakistan amid criticism.
Comparisons — Blessing or Burden? — Former players warn that comparing Babar and Kohli unfairly pressures Pakistan’s star.
Changing Guard in India — With Shubman Gill captaining ODIs and Kohli staying in the mix, India’s leadership is evolving.
The Verdict Is Still Open — 2025 might be the year fans witness new definitions of greatness rather than a clear winner.
Karachi / Mumbai (Star Struck Times) — In a world where cricket fans live and breathe numbers, narratives, and hero worship, one storyline persists: Kohli vs Babar 2025. Who is the greater icon of this era? As Kohli transitions roles and Babar holds Pakistan’s hopes on his shoulders, the debate has become more than just stats — it’s about identity, legacy, and national pride.
Virat Kohli’s exit from Test cricket sent ripple effects through stadiums and discussions alike. Meanwhile, Babar Azam has quietly held Pakistan’s batting line-up steady — but still faces scrutiny from die-hard fans and critics alike.
This article delves deep — through numbers, voices, and context — into whether Kohli vs Babar 2025 is a zero-sum contest or a richer chapter of cricket’s evolving story.
The Current Battlefield: 2025 Snapshot
Kohli’s New Chapter
Retires from Tests: In May 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 14-year marathon in whites.
Role Shift: While he has stepped back from Tests, Kohli remains active in ODIs and potentially T20s, aiming to contribute experience and leadership.
RCB Triumph: In the 2025 IPL final, Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden title — a crowning moment in his franchise legacy.
BBL Speculation: Glenn Maxwell has openly considered trying to recruit Kohli to Melbourne Stars post-IPL, fueling speculation on Kohli’s global franchise future.
In short: Even when stepping down from one format, Kohli is actively shaping how he’ll remain relevant in others.
Babar’s Quiet Reign
ICC Rankings: Babar Azam continues to feature high in Pakistan’s batting order and holds consistent rankings. However, his trajectory is under constant comparison with Kohli’s peak.
Criticism & Defense: Former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has publicly said Babar “should never have been compared to Kohli,” warning of undue pressure.
Expectations & Accountability: With veterans advising that Babar must prove his dedication via domestic performances, the weight on his shoulders remains heavy.
His path is steadier, but the question persists: can stability outshine fireworks?
India’s Leadership Reset
Gill Takes ODI Helm: The BCCI recently named Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, signaling youth-forward leadership.
Kohli & Rohit in Squad: Despite stepping away from Test and T20s, Kohli and Rohit remain part of India’s ODI plans — bridging eras.
Ashwin’s Call-Out: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket to show their 2027 World Cup commitment.
The environment is shifting — but Kohli remains in the conversation, not sidelined.
Head-to-Head: Beyond the Narrative
Metric / Trait
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Peak Impact
Multiple match-winning chases; modern legend status
Steady run accumulation; anchor of Pakistan’s innings
Format Versatility
Excelled across formats before stepping back from Tests
Primarily ODI & T20 impact; less Test exposure
Pressure Performances
Legendary in high-stakes games
Some consistency, fewer “match-of-the-century” moments
Crowd & Brand Pull
Magnetic drawing power; stadiums felt his absence
Loyal following, especially in Pakistan, but overshadowed in global narrative
Comparison Burden
Rarely under pressure to live up to another
Often weighed against Kohli’s milestones and aura
The numbers alone don’t decide — emotion, symbolism, and timing matter.
Voices From the Inside
“Babar Azam should never have been compared to Virat Kohli,” said former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, arguing that such comparisons harm Babar’s psyche.
Industry insiders and former pros often caution against knee-jerk comparisons. As one analyst put it: “Two different players, two different journeys. Comparing them is like measuring moonlight against sunlight.”
Kohli’s own camp has focused on legacy building, not rivalry. His shift into mentorship, brand work, and curated presence suggests a man thinking long beyond bat vs bat.
The Broader Canvas: What 2025 Is Telling Us
Cricket’s Generational Shift
The transition from legends like Kohli to new leaders (Gill, Babar, Shami, others) signals a deeper tectonic change. The comparison Kohli vs Babar 2025 may soon give way to Gill vs Azam or Gill vs Haider Ali in future narratives.
Fan Psychology & Media Narratives
Media and fans have a penchant for dichotomies — you can’t be both “the new Babar” and “the next Kohli” without being compared. But that forces unhealthy expectations on emerging stars.
Legacy Isn’t Static
Kohli’s legacy was not built in a day; he evolved. Babar is building steadily. 2025 might not be the year a final verdict is handed — it may be the year we see how two legacies shape parallel, overlapping, but not obstructing trajectories.
Conclusion
The story of Kohli vs Babar 2025 is not about declaring one superior over the other — it’s about celebrating two powerful voices in modern cricket. Kohli reinventing himself, Babar forging his own path, and both driving passion in their respective nations.
If 2025 teaches us anything, it’s that legacies evolve, comparisons mislead, and greatness can wear many hats — sometimes luminous, sometimes quiet, always worthy of respect.
Who’s winning? It depends on what you prize: match-winning fireworks, consistency over years, leadership, or emotional resonance. The debate will continue — and that’s part of what makes cricket magical.
FAQs
Q1: Is Babar Azam better than Kohli in 2025? Not conclusively. Babar offers consistency; Kohli brings match-winning brilliance and legacy. They operate under different contexts.
Q2: Will Kohli return to Test cricket? No. In May 2025, Kohli announced his Test retirement.
Q3: Can Babar carry Pakistan alone? Cricket is a team sport. He can anchor innings, but support from bowlers and midfield is essential.
Q4: Will fans ever stop comparing them? Unlikely. Rivalries attract attention. But as new stars emerge, comparisons might diversify.
Which style appeals more to you — the aggressive brilliance of Kohli, or the composed consistency of Babar? Drop your views below — let’s spark debate. And if you loved this, share it — it helps more readers join the conversation.
Hello! I'm M Muzamil Shami, the founder and lead editor of Star Struck Times, your trusted source for trending news, entertainment scoops, celebrity gossip, sports highlights, and global headlines.
With a passion for storytelling and journalism, I created this platform to bring you breaking news, viral moments, and deep insights into the worlds of Bollywood, Hollywood, sports, politics, tech, and more — all in one place.
