In the first ODI of the current series against Sri Lanka national cricket team, Babar Azam was dismissed for 29, marking his 83rd consecutive international innings without scoring a century.
His previous hundred came in the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal national cricket team, so this stretch has hung over his form for some time. Consequently, Babar has now matched an unwanted benchmark previously held by Virat Kohli—83 innings without reaching triple-figures in international play.
Comparisons and Context in Record Books
The milestone puts Babar and Kohli on equal footing for the longest gap between centuries by a top-order modern batter, at 83 innings each. Ahead of them is Sanath Jayasuriya, who endured 88 innings without a century, still holding the record for the most prolonged drought of this kind.
For Babar, whose batting record until now had been marked by consistency and class, this represents a lull that has drawn significant attention. His most recent low returns—just 83 runs over his last six innings, averaging an uninspiring 13.83 with a highest score of only 27—underscore the severity of the slump.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
While Babar has enjoyed a strong career overall, this phase raises questions about form and mental resilience. Being equated with a drought previously endured by a batter as accomplished as Kohli introduces pacing and pressure issues that go beyond raw numbers. Analysts suggest that while the stats are not flattering, they also highlight the thin margin between good form and a prolonged dip in an elite career.
Fans and team management alike will look for signs of a turnaround soon, and for Babar this is less about regaining a century and more about rediscovering rhythm and confidence. His next innings thus take on extra significance—not just for him personally, but for his team’s momentum and his legacy as a modern batting star.
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