Virat Kohli vs Joe Root: Here is Adam Gilchrist's take on ‘better Test batsman’ debate

Virat Kohli vs Joe Root debate heats up with Adam Gilchrist's take.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently named Joe Root as the best Test batter during a discussion. However, former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist countered by naming Indian star Virat Kohli as the best of the best. While both agreed that Kohli is superior in limited-overs cricket, Vaughan favoured Root, particularly due to his recent form in the longest format of the game. Gilchrist, however, pointed out that Root has never scored a Test century in Australia.

"In the last short while. Over a long period, Joe Root's stats are...well he is the best England ever had," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.

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September 4, 2024

"Virat scored one of the best tons I've seen at the Perth stadium in the first Test match ever played there; that was probably different gravy. I'd probably say Virat," he added.

"I wouldn't argue with that in Australia. I would say Virat in Australia against the Aussies, anywhere else I'm going Joe Root," Vaughan responded.

Root is indeed enjoying one of the best phases of his career. Last month, he scored a century in both innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. This achievement allowed him to surpass Alastair Cook as the England player with the most Test centuries, reaching his 33rd and 34th centuries.

In contrast, Kohli's last century came against the West Indies in July 2023. Since then, he has only managed one score over 50 in his last four innings. Overall, Kohli has accumulated 8,848 runs from 113 Tests, with 29 centuries to his name. Meanwhile, Root has amassed 12,377 runs from 145 Tests at an impressive average of 50.93.