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Former England spinner Monty Panesar has weighed in on the long-standing ‘Fab Four’ debate in modern cricket, offering a fresh perspective that has reignited discussions among fans. The ‘Fab Four’, a term used to describe Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson has often sparked debate regarding who truly stands above the rest. Each of these players has dominated world cricket in their own way over the past decade, making comparisons both fascinating and difficult.
Monty Panesar praises Virat Kohli’s impact across formats
Talking to Inside Sports, Monty said that Kohli has performed admirably in all formats, with particularly strong impact in One Day Internationals (ODIs), which he views as the former Indian skipper’s most dominant format. While Kohli has done well in Tests and T20Is, Monty highlights that it’s his unmatched intensity and on-field energy that truly set him apart. More than just the runs he scores, it’s his presence, attitude, and competitive spirit that make him a central figure in opposition strategies.
“I think he has done very well in Test cricket, he has done it well in T20s and his strongest format is ODIs. So from that perspective i think the intensity and energy he has. He is probably up there, he is the one that a lot of teams discuss. It’s not about the runs its about the character he has,” Monty stated.
Monty also compared Kohli to legendary cricketers like Viv Richards, Shane Warne and Imran Khan, placing him in the same elite category. He describes Kohli as an exceptionally captivating player whose presence commands attention whenever he is on the field that’s why he is right there at top of the list.
“You look at the Viv Richards, Shane Warne, Imran Khan. Virat Kohli is in that frame as well. He is very watchable, your eyes are always on him. So i think he is at the top,” he added.
Monty’s remarkable Test career for England
Panesar has been a key figure in England’s Test bowling lineup during his playing days. Known for his clever spin variations, the slow left-arm orthodox bowler often proved to be a challenging opponent for batters around the world. His ability to extract turn and maintain control made him an asset, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
Playing 50 Tests in the longest format, he claimed 167 wickets. He finished with a respectable bowling average of 34.71, highlighting his ability to build pressure with tight, consistent spells. His best figures in an innings were an impressive 6 for 37 against New Zealand. Panesar also bagged 12 five-wicket hauls during his Test career, cementing his reputation as a genuine match-winner on his day.
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