- Virat Kohli Vs Joe Root: Former England captain Michael Vaughan enraged fans by comparing Virat Kohli and Joe Root on social media.
Source : X (Twitter)
Virat Kohli Vs Joe Root In Test:
Joe Root played a brilliant innings of 143 runs in the second Test being played against Sri Lanka. This was the 33rd century of Root’s Test career. Root became the topic of discussion with this century. Some started calling him the best player in the Fab-4, while some said that he would break Sachin Tendulkar’s record by scoring the most runs in Test cricket. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan teased Indian fans a lot by comparing Root and Virat Kohli.
Michael Vaughan, who is very active on social media, shared a post on Instagram. The post shows a piece of paper with Virat Kohli’s Test stats written on one side and Joe Root’s Test stats on the other. He captioned the post, “Morning India.”
Morning India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Ax5g75yLyS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 30, 2024
Fans lashed out
Fans did not like Vaughan’s post at all and they lashed out at the former English captain. One user wrote, “Joe Root will have to take two births to equal Virat Kohli’s 80 international centuries.” Another user wrote, “Difference of 3 centuries in 75 innings.” Another user wrote, “Kohli dominates in all three formats and leagues.” See the reactions here…
Joe Root will have to take two births to match Virat Kohli's 80th international century.
— Alok Singh (@Thakurbhaiyaa) August 30, 2024
76 innings 3 centuries difference 🥶
— Khushi¹⁸ (@khushi18x) August 30, 2024
Kohli dominates in all 3 formats and league
— Andleeb Akhtar (@viratkohli_un) August 30, 2024
Root 1 format bully
Century in australia :
— Saurav (@saurav_viratian) August 30, 2024
KOHLi in Adelaide test – 2
Choke frooty – 0
Show me one such innings or shot of joe root.
— Pallavi🥂 (@PalluSays) August 30, 2024
' Shot of an emperor' Remember Vanghney? pic.twitter.com/sBH80xuAq7
Only 4 Test 100s more than VK despite played 1.5 times more ?? 😂😂
— RAI Sahab ( Bhartiy )🇮🇳 (@Sarvesh280989) August 30, 2024
This is how Kohli and Root’s Test career has been so far
Virat Kohli: Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has played 113 matches in his Test career so far. Batting in 191 innings of these matches, he has scored 8848 runs at an average of 49.16. During this period, he has scored 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries, in which his highest score has been 254* runs.
Joe Root: Former England captain Joe Root has played 145 Tests in his career so far. In 264 innings of these matches, he has scored 12274 runs at an average of 50.72. During this time, he has scored 33 centuries and 64 half-centuries, in which his highest score has been 254 runs.
Cricket has been blessed with many great rivalries, but few can match the intensity and intrigue of the ongoing battle between two modern legends: Virat Kohli and Joe Root. Both players, former captains of their respective national teams, have etched their names in cricket history with their stellar performances. While their careers have been marked by extraordinary achievements, the comparison between Kohli and Root is inevitable, sparking debates among fans and pundits alike. Recently, Joe Root added fuel to this fire, playfully teasing Indian fans, further intensifying this epic rivalry.
The Batting Maestros: Numbers Don’t Lie
When it comes to pure batting prowess, both Virat Kohli and Joe Root have consistently delivered across formats. Kohli, with his aggressive approach and relentless hunger for runs, has been a mainstay for India. His ability to chase down targets, especially in ODIs, is unmatched, making him one of the best finishers in the game. As of 2024, Kohli has amassed over 12,000 runs in ODIs, over 8,500 runs in Tests, and nearly 4,000 runs in T20Is, boasting an average above 50 in all formats.
Joe Root, on the other hand, is often regarded as the epitome of classical batting. His technique, calm demeanor, and adaptability have made him England’s most reliable batsman. Root has over 11,000 runs in Tests and close to 7,000 runs in ODIs, with an average hovering around the 50-mark in Tests. While his T20I career hasn’t been as prolific as Kohli’s, his contributions in the longest format make him a standout.
Captaincy: Leadership Styles and Legacies
Kohli and Root have also left a significant mark as captains of their respective sides. Kohli’s tenure as India’s captain was defined by aggression, intensity, and a never-say-die attitude. He led India to memorable Test series wins in Australia and became the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia. Under his leadership, India also reached the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.
Joe Root’s captaincy of England, meanwhile, was marked by resilience and adaptability. Taking over during a transitional phase, Root led England to several key victories, including series wins in South Africa and Sri Lanka. However, his leadership was often scrutinized due to England’s inconsistent performances, particularly in the Ashes. Despite these challenges, Root’s individual performances never wavered, showcasing his ability to lead by example.
The Sledging Saga: Root’s Playful Tease
In a recent encounter, Joe Root playfully teased Indian fans, reigniting the Kohli vs. Root debate. The Englishman, known for his wry sense of humor, mimicked Kohli’s iconic celebration after reaching a century during a Test match. Root’s light-hearted banter was received with mixed reactions—while some Indian fans found it amusing, others viewed it as a challenge to Kohli’s legacy.
This playful gesture is emblematic of the respect and rivalry shared between these two cricketing giants. Root’s actions serve as a reminder that, while they may be fierce competitors on the field, there is also mutual admiration between the two. Kohli himself has praised Root on multiple occasions, acknowledging his consistency and class.
Off the Field: Personalities and Impact
Off the field, both Kohli and Root have made significant impacts in different ways. Kohli is known for his passionate and sometimes fiery demeanor, which translates into his charitable work, particularly in children’s health and education. His influence extends beyond cricket, as he is one of the most marketable athletes globally, with a massive following on social media.
Root, in contrast, is more understated, known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. His contributions to cricket charities and youth development programs in England have been commendable. Root’s calm personality has made him a respected figure not just in England but around the cricketing world.
The Verdict: A Rivalry for the Ages
The Kohli vs. Root rivalry is one for the ages, defined by contrasting styles, personalities, and leadership qualities. While Kohli’s aggressive and passionate approach has won him legions of fans, Root’s classical technique and calmness have earned him widespread respect. Their careers have followed different trajectories, but both have left an indelible mark on the sport.
As they continue to add to their legacies, cricket fans worldwide are privileged to witness two of the game’s greatest players in action. Whether it’s Kohli’s ferocious intensity or Root’s elegant strokeplay, the Kohli vs. Root debate will continue to thrive, enriching the cricketing narrative for years to come.
In the end, this rivalry isn’t just about comparing stats or captaincy records—it’s about celebrating the greatness of two players who have elevated the game of cricket to new heights. And while Joe Root may tease Indian fans from time to time, it’s all in the spirit of a rivalry that brings out the best in both players.