Babar Azam overtakes Rohit Sharma in T20I run charts

Records in cricket often define eras, and Babar Azam has just etched his name into one. The Pakistan captain has surpassed India’s Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals — a moment that blends history, redemption, and quiet determination.

The milestone came during Pakistan’s second T20I against South Africa in Lahore on October 31, 2025. Babar, who needed just nine runs to go past Rohit, reached the mark calmly and finished unbeaten on 11. His total now stands at 4,234 runs in 123 innings, placing him at the summit of T20I batting charts.

It was more than just a record. For Babar, it symbolized resilience after a testing phase. Once Pakistan’s most consistent batter, his recent form had dipped, leading to his absence from multiple T20 series, including the Asia Cup. Now, recalled after almost a year, he has turned a fresh page in his career.

Babar’s numbers reflect class and composure — an average of 39.57 and a strike rate of 128.77, supported by 3 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He has never relied on brute force; instead, his timing, awareness, and patience make him a different kind of T20 star.

Right behind him is Rohit Sharma with 4,231 runs in 151 innings, followed by Virat Kohli with 4,188 runs in 117 innings. England’s Jos Buttler, Ireland’s Paul Stirling, and New Zealand’s Martin Guptill complete the top six, each with their own legacy in the shortest format.

Babar’s record isn’t just a statistical achievement — it’s a reminder of his enduring quality. After a year of uncertainty, the Lahore crowd’s applause echoed what many in Pakistan believe: their captain is back, and so is the calm assurance that comes with him.