Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has found himself in the spotlight once again — not for a new milestone, but for equaling an unwanted record held by Indian batting great Virat Kohli. In the first match of the ODI home series against Sri Lanka, Babar Azam was clean bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga after scoring 29 runs, extending his century drought to 83 international innings.
This marks a rare and challenging phase in the star batter’s career, as his last international century came against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup. Since then, while Babar has produced several solid performances and half-centuries, the elusive hundred has remained just out of reach.
A Struggle Shared by Great Players
Cricket, like all sports, is filled with highs and lows. Even the greatest players go through periods of struggle — and Babar Azam’s current dry spell is a reminder that consistency at the top level requires mental toughness.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated modern-day cricketers, also faced a similar drought. Before regaining form in 2023, Kohli went 83 innings without scoring an international century. The similarity between the two players’ journeys has drawn attention from fans and cricket analysts alike, with many suggesting that Babar’s return to form could follow a similar path to Kohli’s resurgence.
Sanath Jayasuriya, the current head coach of Sri Lanka and a cricket legend in his own right, also endured a long wait — 88 innings — before breaking his century drought. Similarly, former West Indian stalwart Shivnarine Chanderpaul had to wait 78 innings before reaching triple figures again.
These examples show that even the best in the game encounter such phases, and overcoming them often leads to a stronger comeback.
Babar’s Form and Mental Strength
Despite the lack of centuries, Babar Azam has remained one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers. His technique, elegance, and ability to anchor innings have continued to earn him praise. However, in recent months, he has often fallen short of converting starts into big scores — a challenge that many top-order batters face during form slumps.
Cricket experts suggest that the issue may not lie in his batting skill but rather in the mental pressure of expectations. As captain and Pakistan’s premier batsman, Babar carries an enormous weight on his shoulders every time he steps onto the field.
Former cricketers have urged fans and media to support Babar rather than criticize him during this phase. They point out that Kohli’s return to form after his 83-innings drought came when he took time off, focused on mental well-being, and reconnected with his love for the game — something Babar might also benefit from.
Comparisons With Virat Kohli
The comparisons between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have been a constant feature of cricket discussions over the past few years. Both players are regarded as modern-day greats with impeccable records across formats. However, this current record links them in a different way — as two world-class players who experienced long gaps between centuries.
Kohli ended his century drought with a memorable ton against Afghanistan in 2023, marking a turning point in his career. Many believe that Babar Azam’s next century could have a similar emotional impact — a symbolic moment of renewal and redemption.
The Importance of Patience and Perspective
Every player goes through phases where runs come hard and centuries feel distant. For Babar Azam, this period is testing his patience, but it may also be shaping his resilience. His performances, even without centuries, have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s batting stability.
Moreover, his ability to remain composed under scrutiny demonstrates maturity. Many fans and experts believe that one big innings is all it will take for Babar to rediscover his rhythm and confidence.
The Legacy Still Intact
Despite the ongoing drought, Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most successful and stylish batsmen. His overall record — including numerous centuries and match-winning performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20s — continues to place him among the top batters in world cricket.
It’s also worth noting that such slumps are often temporary. Once a player of Babar’s caliber finds his flow again, runs tend to come in clusters. Cricket history is full of examples of greats who endured long gaps between centuries, only to return with a series of dominant performances.
As the ODI series against Sri Lanka continues, all eyes will be on Babar Azam to see when he finally breaks this streak. With strong support from teammates, coaching staff, and fans, he has every chance to turn this phase around.
A return to form would not only silence critics but also serve as a powerful reminder of his class and determination. For now, Babar’s journey mirrors that of Kohli, Jayasuriya, and Chanderpaul — players who proved that even during slumps, greatness endures.
