Virat Kohli and Joe Root are seen as two of the best batsmen in the world and key players of our time. Both have performed consistently at the highest level, representing India and England, respectively. They are admired for their technique, mindset, and ability to handle pressure.
Kohli is known for his aggressive and graceful style, while Root blends traditional batting with smart shot choices. Their match-winning performances and record-breaking achievements have made them crucial to their teams.
This article will compare their batting styles, statistics, key contributions, and explain why they are viewed as the top batters in modern cricket.
Virat Kohli vs Joe Root – Player Profiles
Virat Kohli and Joe Root are two of the best batsmen in modern cricket, known for their consistency and impact.
Before diving into their stats and achievements, let’s take a closer look at their player profiles, including debut, role, batting style, and key contributions for India and England.
Virat Kohli – Profile
| Role | Batter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 05-11-1988 |
| Date of International debut | 18-09-2008 |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Batter |
| Bowling Style | Right Arm Medium |
Joe Root – Profile
| Role | Batter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30-12-1990 |
| Date of International debut | 13-12-2012 |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Batter |
| Bowling Style | Right Arm Spin |
Virat Kohli vs Joe Root: A Complete Statistical Comparison
Virat Kohli and Joe Root are two of the finest batsmen of the modern era, admired for their consistency and match-winning abilities. Both have excelled across all formats, delivering memorable innings for India and England.
Here is the complete statistical comparison of their performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, highlighting their achievements, consistency, and impact on their teams over the years.
ODIs
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2008-2025 | 305 | 293 | 14255 | 57.71 | 183 | 51 | 75 |
| Joe Root | 2013-2025 | 184 | 173 | 7303 | 49.01 | 166* | 19 | 43 |
Test Matches
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2011-2025 | 123 | 210 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 254* | 30 | 31 |
| Joe Root | 2012-2025 | 158 | 288 | 13543 | 51.29 | 262 | 39 | 66 |
T20Is
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2010-2024 | 125 | 117 | 4,188 | 48.69 | 122* | 1 | 38 |
| Joe Root | 2012-2019 | 32 | 30 | 893 | 35.72 | 90* | 0 | 5 |
Comparing Virat Kohli and Joe Root across formats shows distinct strengths. In ODIs, Kohli dominates with 14,255 runs at 57.71, including 51 centuries, while Root has 7,303 runs at 49.01.
Kohli’s consistency and chasing ability make him India’s driving force. In Tests, Root leads with 13,543 runs at 51.29, using classical technique to anchor England’s innings, while Kohli contributes under pressure.
In T20Is, Kohli excels with 4,188 runs at 48.69, whereas Root has 893 runs at 35.72. Overall, Kohli shines in limited-overs, Root in Tests, with both shaping their teams’ successes.
Virat Kohli vs Joe Root – Playing Style
Virat Kohli is known for his aggressive and elegant batting style. He combines solid technique with fearless shot-making. He excels in run chases and under pressure. His ability to adjust to different formats, rotate the strike, and play both traditional and creative shots makes him one of the most complete batsmen today.
Kohli’s intensity and focus at the crease often inspire his team and keep pressure on the opposition.
Joe Root, in contrast, uses a classical and composed approach. He plays with soft hands, values shot selection, and builds innings patiently. Root’s technique helps him anchor England’s innings.
He often accumulates runs steadily while dealing with tough conditions. He adjusts well in Tests, but in limited-overs cricket, his calm style sometimes does not match the fast pace of modern T20 batting.
Virat Kohli vs Joe Root – Records
Both have dominated world cricket across formats, setting numerous records for India and England. Their achievements highlight not just personal brilliance but also their impact in leading and shaping their teams.
Here are some of their most notable records.
Virat Kohli
- Fastest to 13,000 ODI Runs: Kohli became the fastest to 13,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, achieving this milestone in 267 innings.
- Most Test Double Centuries by an Indian: He holds the record for the most Test double centuries by an Indian batsman.
- Highest Batting Average in ODIs and T20Is Among Indian Players: Kohli maintains the highest batting averages in both ODIs and T20Is among Indian players.
- Led India to Nine Consecutive Test Series Victories: Under his captaincy, India achieved nine consecutive Test series victories between 2015 and 2017, equaling Ricky Ponting’s record.
- Fourth-Highest Test Run-Scorer for India: He retired as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer with 9,230 runs from 123 matches.
Joe Root
- Fastest to 13,000 Test Runs: Root became the fastest to 13,000 runs in Test cricket, reaching this milestone in 153 matches.
- Second-Highest Test Run-Scorer in History: He surpassed Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to become the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
- Most Runs in a Calendar Year by an English Test Batter: Root holds the record for the most runs in a calendar year by an English Test batter.
- England’s All-Time Leading Test Run-Scorer: He became England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, surpassing Alastair Cook’s record.
- Most Number of Test Centuries for England: Root achieved the most number of Test centuries for England.
Virat Kohli vs Joe Root – Who is Best?
Virat Kohli and Joe Root are both exceptional batsmen, each with a unique style that sets them apart. Kohli is known for his aggressive, chase-driven approach, excelling in limited-overs formats with consistency and intensity.
Root, on the other hand, thrives in Test cricket with his classical technique and patient accumulation of runs. Comparing them is challenging, as each dominates in their preferred formats. Ultimately, both are among the best in the modern era, making invaluable contributions to India and England in their own ways.
Read More:
Conclusion: Kohli and Root – Legends of Modern Cricket Batting!
Virat Kohli and Joe Root are two of the best batsmen of today, each bringing their own style and strengths to the game. Kohli’s aggressive and fearless play has made him shine in limited-overs cricket. In contrast, Root’s calm and classical technique has been the backbone of England’s Test innings time and again.
Both players have consistently delivered match-winning performances, setting records and helping their teams in tough spots. Their impact goes beyond stats; they inspire teammates and fans with their hard work and skill.
While it’s tough to determine who is better overall, Kohli and Root excel in their respective formats. Together, they represent the height of modern batting, showing how talent, technique, and temperament come together to create cricketing legends.
