Michael Vaughan vouches for Virat Kohli as the best all-format batsman ahead of Steve Smith

Over the last few months, comparisons between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have been galore. There have been constant discussions and analysis of who between the two stalwarts in the greatest all-format batter of their generation. The duo recently played in India’s three-match home ODI series versus Australia that the hosts won 2-1 after victories in Rajkot and Bengaluru.

Smith became the leading run-scorer of the series with 229 runs at an average of 114.50. He didn’t get to bat at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as David Warner and Aaron Finch helped the Aussies chase down 256. However, Smith looked in rollicking form in the second ODI at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot. He scored 98 runs before falling prey to the guile and trajectory of Kuldeep Yadav.

Smith and Virat weaving magic

In the third match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Smith notched 131 runs off 132 balls and guided the Aussies to a competitive score. He got to his ton off 117 balls and in the end, Mohammed Shami got rid of him. On the same day back in 2017, Smith got his previous ODI century that came against Pakistan in Perth. Virat, on the other hand, didn’t flatter to deceive either.

He was the second highest run-getter of the series, scoring 183 runs at an average of 61. In the first ODI, he floundered at number four, getting out to Adam Zampa. In Rajkot though, he came up with 78 runs and helped India draw level in the series. Virat followed it up with 89 in Bengaluru and showed why he is regarded as one of the best doing the rounds in world cricket.

In the meantime, Daniel Alexander, a Sri Lankan journalist, called Smith the best all-format batsman. He tweeted on Cricket Australia’s video of Smith’s century back in 2017. He wrote, “Steve Smith finest all format batsman at present. proved it yet again,”

Michael Vaughan, the former England batsman reckons otherwise though. The cricketer turned commentator feels that Virat is at the helm ahead of Smith. Vaughan replied to him and wrote, “Disagree … Virat is the best all round … !!

Here is Vaughan’s tweet

Disagree … Virat is the best all round … !! https://t.co/zJPt7v8ewS

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 20, 2020