Babar's current ODI centuries
19
Kohli had 26 at same age.
Cricket • Records
Can Babar Azam Break Virat Kohli's Records?
Babar Azam is chasing Virat Kohli's legacy. Some records are within reach. Others are almost impossible.
Babar Azam can break some of Kohli's 'fastest to' records, especially in ODIs. But breaking Kohli's 50 ODI centuries and 80+ total international centuries is very unlikely based on current pace.
Quick Answer
Yes for 'fastest to' records like 10,000 ODI runs. No for total centuries. Babar would need to play until 40 and score at an unprecedented pace to catch Kohli's 50 ODI centuries.
Centuries needed per year
5-6
To catch Kohli in 6 years.
Verdict
Partly
Can Babar break Kohli's records?
Babar can break 'fastest to' milestones. He cannot break Kohli's total century count of 50 in ODIs or 80+ overall without an extraordinary late-career surge.
What supports this verdict
- The strongest evidence supports the core of the answer.
- Babar can break 'fastest to' milestones. He cannot break Kohli's total century count of 50 in ODIs or 80+ overall without an extraordinary late-career surge.
What weakens this verdict
- The claim is not official or absolute.
- Counter-evidence prevents a clean yes or no verdict.
Records Babar can break: Fastest to milestones
Babar Azam is already competitive on 'fastest to' records. He reached 5,000 ODI runs in 101 innings, tying Hashim Amla and beating Kohli (114 innings).
If Babar maintains his pace, he could become the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs. Kohli took 205 innings. Babar currently averages 56+ and could do it in 195-200 innings.
These 'fastest to' records are where Babar has the best chance. His consistency is elite.
Records Babar cannot break: 50 ODI centuries
Virat Kohli has 50 ODI centuries. This is one of cricket's most untouchable records.
Babar currently has 19 ODI centuries. To reach 50, he needs 31 more.
If Babar plays until age 38 (7 more years), he would need 4-5 centuries per year. He has never scored more than 3 in a calendar year.
The math does not work. Babar will likely finish with 30-35 ODI centuries. Elite, but not Kohli level.
The math behind the chase
Kohli scored his 50th ODI century at age 35. Babar is 31 with 19 centuries.
In the last 4 years, Kohli scored 12 centuries. Babar scored 7 in the same period.
If Babar continues at 2 centuries per year, he reaches 33 centuries by age 38.
If he somehow doubles his rate to 4 per year, he reaches 39 centuries. Still 11 short of Kohli.
Breaking 50 ODI centuries requires a miracle.
Analyst Comparison
Kohli vs Babar: Century Pace at Same Age
| Age | Kohli ODI Centuries | Babar ODI Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 21 | 12 |
| 28 | 35 | 17 |
| 31 | 43 | 19 |
| 35 | 50 | Projected 25-28 |
Evidence Scorecard
What evidence shows Babar can or cannot break records?
Here is the data:
For
2
points
Against
3
points
✓FOR
Babar reached 5,000 ODI runs faster than Kohli (101 vs 114 innings)
Statistics
×AGAINST
Babar has 19 ODI centuries at age 31; Kohli had 43 at same age
Career Record
✓FOR
Babar averages 56+ in ODIs, higher than Kohli's career 57
Statistics
×AGAINST
Babar needs 31 more centuries. He has never scored more than 3 in a year
Recent Form
×AGAINST
Pakistan plays fewer ODIs than India (15-20 per year vs 25-30)
Match Performance
Format
ODIs are dying. That hurts Babar's chase.
Teams play fewer ODIs now than in Kohli's prime. India played 40+ ODIs per year in 2017-2019. Pakistan plays 20-25. Fewer matches mean fewer opportunities for centuries.
Key Reference Points
Which records can Babar break?
Fastest to 10
000 ODI runs - Yes, likely
Fastest to 15
000 ODI runs - Possible
Most runs in ODI career - Unlikely but possible
50 ODI centuries - No
80+ total international centuries - No
Most T20I runs - Yes
possible
Verdict
The bottom line
Babar Azam can break Kohli's 'fastest to' records because his early career pace is incredible. But he will not break Kohli's 50 ODI centuries. The gap is too large, he started slower, and ODIs are played less frequently now.
FAQs
How many ODI centuries does Babar Azam have?
19 as of 2026.
How many does Kohli have?
50 ODI centuries.
Can Babar break Sachin's records?
Sachin has 49 ODI centuries and 51 Test centuries. Babar cannot break those either.
What record can Babar realistically break?
Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs and most T20I runs are realistic targets.
More FAQs
How many ODI centuries does Babar Azam have?
19 as of 2026.
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