Legendary Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh was recently asked a tricky question: if he had to choose between Virat Kohli and Joe Root for a spot in a Test XI, who would he pick? This led to an interesting discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where Yuvraj weighed in on the “debatable” choice between two of the modern era’s finest batters.
Both Kohli and Root have built illustrious careers across formats, but Yuvraj explained that the decision would come down to the conditions in which the match is being played. “It’s a tough one,” Yuvraj began, noting Root’s recent stellar form in Test cricket. “If you are playing in England, obviously you pick Joe Root because of his incredible performances on home soil.”
However, when considering performances outside of England, Yuvraj leaned towards Kohli, especially for his ability to adapt to different pitches and conditions. “But in the rest of the world, I would pick Virat Kohli because I know on certain wickets, he can do a lot of damage,” he added.
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Virat Kohli and Joe Root Test Records
Kohli has proven his mettle in all three formats, while Root has surged ahead of his contemporaries in Test cricket, accumulating runs with surreal consistency. Root, so far in 2024, has scored 986 runs in 20 innings at an impressive average of 54.77, which includes four centuries.
Kohli, on the other hand, has had a quieter Test year. In four innings, he has managed only 81 runs, with his highest score being 46. While his recent Test form hasn’t been at its peak, Yuvraj highlighted that Kohli’s all-format dominance makes him a versatile and dependable choice for any Test side. “On form right now, definitely Joe Root,” Yuvraj admitted. “But if you look at all formats, then definitely Virat Kohli.”
This comparison between Kohli and Root has sparked discussions among cricket fans and pundits alike, as both players bring distinct strengths to the table. Root’s dominance in Test cricket and Kohli’s adaptability across formats make them indispensable in their own right, yet picking between them in a Test XI remains a tough call.
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