Who is the best in the world at the moment? The question has got mixed answers with Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and quite a few others showing their class in the middle. The latest to answer the topic is the former great of Australia Ian Chappell, who believes Virat Kohli is the best in the world.
While speaking at ‘Sony Ten Pit Stop’ show, the former Australian skipper weighed in on the Kohli vs Smith debate before admitting that he can’t pick any batsman ahead of the Indian stalwart.
I can’t pick anyone ahead of Virat Kohli – Ian Chappell
The 31-year-old Kohli averages above 50 in all three formats of the game. He has so far scored 70 international centuries (43 in ODIs, 27 in Tests). Chappell said the Delhi right-hander’s records in Tests, ODIs and T20Is are “incredible”.
“India’s had some pretty good batsmen but the comment I made was over the three formats. I was recently asked to pick between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli and I said you can’t pick ahead of Kohli,” Chappell said on the ‘Sony Ten Pit Stop’ show.
“His record in all three formats is incredible; he averages over 50 in T20 cricket which I think is a tremendous feat. So yes, he, in my opinion, Kohli is the best batsman at the moment across all three formats,” he added.
Australia has a very strong attack now –
On the work front, the two will come face to face later this year, when India tour Australia for a four-Test series, provided the COVID-19 subsides by then. The last time India toured Down Under, they created history by securing a series win in Australia for the first time in 70 years.
“Australia are pretty hard to beat at home, particularly with the bowling attack they’ve got at the moment. It’s a very strong attack. Australia’s batting, the last time India were here, wasn’t so good,” he added.
”It will be a bit harder this time (for India) with Smith and Warner in the Australian side. If India can keep getting Warner and Smith out cheaply, they can win. If they don’t, the series is Australia’s,” Chappell said.
