Virat Kohli vs Mohammad Azharuddin: Comparing ODI stats

Virat Kohli is one of the best batters in the history of ODI cricket. On the other hand, Mohammad Azharuddin was renowned for his elegance as a batter in the 50-over format.

Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 at the age of 19. From a very young age, he showed tremendous potential, cementing his place in a star-studded Indian batting order, especially in the ODI format. He played some important knocks in the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and helped India win the coveted title for the first time in 28 years. Kohli was also a part of India's Champions Trophy triumphs in 2013 and 2025.

Kohli also served as India's all-format captain from 2017 to 2021. Before 2017, he had led the side occasionally when MS Dhoni wasn't available. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. He has a win percentage of 68.42 as captain in ODIs.

The New Delhi-born holds various records as a batter in the one-day format. He has the most centuries in the format (51*). The pro batter surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 49 centuries during the 2023 ODI World Cup to create the record. The 'run machine' is also third on the list of leading run-scorers in ODIs after Tendulkar and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Speaking about Azharuddin, the Hyderabad batter didn't have great batting stats like Kohli, but he did contribute to some famous wins for India. Azharuddin was applauded by fans as well as experts for his ability to find gaps and for having the gift of timing. His wristy flicks on the leg-side were a treat to watch, and bowlers had very little margin for error when they strayed onto his pads.

Azharuddin was the first batter to go past 9000 runs in this format. He was a very determined and gutsy cricketer who liked to take the attack to the bowlers. However, he could also adapt his game seamlessly depending on the condition of the pitch and the match.

He also led India to wins in the 1990-91 and 1995 Asia Cups. Under his captaincy, the Men in Blue also made it to the semi-finals of the 1996 World Cup. He holds the record for captaining India in three World Cups - 1992, 1996, and 1999 — the most by an Indian skipper. Azharuddin has a win percentage of 51.7% as India's ODI captain.

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Kohli and Azharuddin’s stats comparison in ODIs

Note: Virat Kohli is still actively playing ODI cricket, and the statistical data shown above is as of August 11, 2025