Steven Smith vs Virat Kohli — who is the best modern-day batsman? Just like the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, cricket fans the world over are split down the middle when it comes to determining the best batsman of this decade. Smith became the second Australian to score in excess of 1000 runs in a calendar year for four consecutive years, Virat too became the only captain with six double hundreds.
On December 16, former English captain Michael Vaughan’s ‘freak’ tweet took the debate to the next level. In the ongoing third Ashes Test between Australia and England in Perth, Smith became the first Aussie skipper to score a double ton in Ashes in 24 years which prompted Vaughan to share his views on who’s best between him and Kohli.
While Vaughan termed Kohli as the best player across all three formats, ie Tests, ODIs and T20s, he went to describe Steve Smith as the best batsman in Test cricket.
His tweet on Virat Kohli:
IMO … @imVkohli is the best player across the 3 formats … But @stevesmith49 is the best in Tests … #OnOn #Ashes … Although I would really like both in the same team ….
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 16, 2017
His tweet on Steven Smith:
Just having a glass of vino I have decided Steve Smith has joined @imVkohli in the Freak Category … an incredible player … #Justsaying #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 15, 2017
The two tweets on the two modern greats have sparked a war of words on Twitter, with users giving their opinions on the subject.
Kohli outside India is ordinary at best. Kohli in India on flat tracks is very good. Smith can dig in and save the team on any wicket if need be, Smith way past him.
— David Robertson (@Robdav30) December 15, 2017
So he was ordinary in the last series in Australia?
— Dipesh (@AnIndianTweet) December 15, 2017
Nope he was good, Smith twice as good in same series. One good away series does not make him great.
— David Robertson (@Robdav30) December 15, 2017
Kohli’s averaging 65+ in Australia, NZ and South Africa. Get your facts right before tweeting.
— Skanhunt287 (@Skankhunt287) December 15, 2017
Facts. Smith has played less games, has more runs, more centuries and averages more.
— David Robertson (@Robdav30) December 15, 2017
You said Kohli outside India is “ordinary at best”, would you like to revise that statement now that you’ve been presented with facts?
— Sahil Oberoi (@SahilOberoi1) December 15, 2017
The Australian attack he decimated was the same one which tore England apart 5-0 just the year before.
— Sahil Oberoi (@SahilOberoi1) December 15, 2017
— Andrew Bailey (@bail3yy) December 15, 2017
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Both Kohli and Smith are greats in their own right and space. For example, Kohli smashed a double hundred against a lacklustre Sri Lankan attack whereas Smith hits a double at the Ashes stage against a potent English attack. Hence, even though the comparisons are inevitable, the numbers can be deceptive!
NEXT: Virat will soon leave for South Africa, whereas Smith will be engaged in the last two Ashes Tests.
