Few cricketers in modern history have matched the consistency and dominance of Virat Kohli, whose nearly two-decade career has redefined batting excellence. With over 28,000 international runs and match-winning performances across formats, Kohli has become the gold standard for modern batters.

In Pakistan, several promising players have been labelled the “next Kohli,” most notably Babar Azam. While Babar achieved remarkable success early in his career, recent inconsistency has highlighted the difficulty of sustaining elite performance over many years.

Players like Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal showed immense early promise but failed to maintain consistency due to form issues and off-field controversies. Meanwhile, younger talents such as Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel continue to strive for stability and long-term success.

Kohli’s career stands alongside modern greats like Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root, but his longevity and ability to perform under pressure make him unique.

The comparisons highlight an important truth: achieving early success is possible, but maintaining excellence for nearly two decades requires exceptional mental strength, discipline, and adaptability — qualities that define Kohli’s legendary status.