In a recent, high-profile exclusive for Code Sports Australia, renowned cricket writer Daniel Cherny delved into the mind of Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam. In a rare moment of candid self-reflection and peer analysis, Babar stepped away from his own accolades to rank the traditional ‘Fab Four’ (Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root). His selections, categorized by format, provide a unique window into how one of the modern era’s greatest technicians views the technical superiority and match-winning impact of his contemporaries.

Babar Azam ranks Kohli, Smith, Root and Williamson: Who comes out on top across all formats, especially Test cricket?

Babar’s rankings reveal a clear distinction between white-ball dominance and red-ball mastery. By placing Virat Kohli at the summit of the all-format list, he acknowledged the Indian veteran’s unmatched ability to manipulate chases across all conditions. Conversely, his Test rankings crowned Steve Smith as the ultimate purist’s nightmare, while notably elevating Joe Root to the runner-up spot, a nod to the Englishman’s prolific run-scoring over the last 24 months.

1. All-Format Ranking:

1. Virat Kohli (India)
2. Steve Smith (Australia)
3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
4. Joe Root (England)

⁦.@babarazam258⁩ reveals his all-format big four rankings to ⁦@codesportsau⁩.

1. Virat Kohli
2. Steve Smith
3. Kane Williamson
4. Joe Root

+ Pakistani superstar’s ideas for rule/calendar changes, his long-term goals and issue with SCG.https://t.co/01OpeKDUhy ⁩ pic.twitter.com/gH1epIlkTY

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 15, 2026

2. Test Match Ranking:

1. Steve Smith (Australia)
2. Joe Root (England)
3. Virat Kohli (India)
4. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Also READ: Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid reveal their picks for the next Fab 4 of cricket

Babar’s form: International struggles & BBL debut for Sydney Sixers

While Babar’s expert analysis is sharp, his own on-field form heading into early 2026 has been a subject of intense scrutiny. After a grueling 2025 where he amassed 1,065 international runs, a tally that reflects his heavy workload but also a dip in elite efficiency (averaging 34.3 in T20Is and 31.5 in Tests), Babar has faced questions regarding his strike rate and big-game impact. His recent century against Sri Lanka in November 2025 was a much-needed drought-breaker, yet his Test average has hovered around a modest 24.75 over the last two years.

His much-anticipated maiden stint in the Big Bash League (BBL 15) with the Sydney Sixers has proven to be a trial by fire. Playing on the bouncy tracks of Australia, Babar has struggled to find his signature rhythm:

• BBL Performance (2025/26): In his first 8 appearances, he has managed just 154 runs at a disappointing strike rate of 104.05.
• Flash of Brilliance: His standout moment came on New Year’s Day 2026, where he anchored a chase with an unbeaten 58 (46)* against the Melbourne Renegades.

Also READ: Statistical comparison of Fab 4 centuries in Test cricket since 2021 ft. Virat Kohli