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In a generation brimming with cricketing talent, two names have consistently led the way with their mastery across formats: Virat Kohli and Joe Root. These titans of the modern game, while distinct in their approach and flair, have each etched unparalleled legacies in the annals of cricket history.
Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook, in a recent light-hearted cricket show, engaged in an insightful debate to judge Kohli and Root across five crucial parameters during their appearance on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show. Alongside fellow legends David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd and Phil ‘Tuffers’ Tufnell. Their verdicts, delivered with a mix of respect, humor, and admiration, highlight the unique strengths of these modern icons.
1. Run scoring (All formats)
Kohli. Unanimously, both Vaughan and Cook declared Kohli the superior run-scorer across all formats. Vaughan initiated, stating Kohli’s status as a “supreme run machine,” across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Cook readily agreed, emphasizing Kohli’s prolific accumulation and adaptability, especially in white-ball cricket, where his sheer volume of runs and centuries are truly staggering.
2. Big match moments (All formats)
Kohli. In high-stakes scenarios, Kohli again emerged as the preferred choice. Cook confidently backed Kohli, highlighting his “phenomenal,” record as a white-ball chaser, a sentiment Vaughan echoed by calling him arguably the “best chaser in limited-overs cricket history,” Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure and deliver match-winning performances in crucial encounters sets him apart.
3. Captaincy (All formats)
Kohli. Leadership was another area where Kohli earned unanimous praise. Cook acknowledged Kohli’s transformative influence on Indian Test cricket, emphasizing that he led not just a team, but a “cultural shift,” instilling aggression and confidence, especially in overseas conditions. Vaughan underscored this by pointing out the “gaping leadership void,” left in the Indian side after Kohli’s exit, a testament to his profound and lasting impact. Kohli’s captaincy record in Tests is indeed remarkable, boasting 40 wins in 68 matches, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
Also READ: “Those battles we had…”: Joe Root reflects on Virat Kohli ahead of England Test series
4. Consistency (All formats)
Root. However, when it came to consistency in Test Cricket, both Vaughan and Cook firmly gave the nod to Root. Cook was quick to highlight Root’s “relentless ability to deliver,” particularly in red-ball cricket, where he has been England’s unwavering batting pillar. Vaughan concurred, crediting Root’s level-headed approach, pristine technique, and capacity to score consistently in all conditions, even when the rest of the English unit struggled. Root’s recent feat of becoming the fastest to reach 13,000 Test runs in his 153rd match further solidifies his claim to exceptional consistency in the longest format.
5. Handling pressure (All formats)
Kohli. Perhaps the most telling part of the conversation revolved around handling pressure. Cook expressed a sense of disbelief at the immense scrutiny Kohli endures in India, acknowledging that it “would have to be Kohli,” not just for his on-field resilience but his ability to navigate a life lived under a constant microscope. Cook, reflecting on his own mental strength, admitted he “couldn’t fathom the intense lifestyle,” of a cricketer in India, while Vaughan silently agreed, collectively respecting Kohli’s immense mental fortitude.
The debate culminated with Vaughan asking for one batter across all formats at their absolute peak, to which Cook unhesitatingly chose “Kohli,” citing his overall impact. However, when the focus shifted specifically to the “best batter in Test cricket,” both agreed on Joe Root, acknowledging his classic technique, temperament, and sheer volume of runs that mark him as a modern master of the longest format.
David Lloyd and Alastair Cook’s picks between Virat Kohli and Joe Root:
•Run scoring: Virat Kohli
•Consistency: Joe Root
•Big match moments: Virat Kohli
•Handling pressure: Virat Kohli
•Captaincy: Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/wuqMydPVPw— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) June 21, 2025
