Virat Kohli or Steve Smith? Big question answered by Dean Jones as he picks better batsman in all formats

Undoubtedly, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Australia’s former captain Steve Smith are two of the finest batsmen in the modern era. The two were involved in the recently-concluded India-Australia ODIs, which saw the home side Team India clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1.

While Smith ended on the wrong side in the series, he remained the highest run-getter with scores of 98 and 131 in the two outings. On the other hand, Kohli wasn’t far behind as he returned with 183 runs, being India’s highest run-scorer and second overall, with two half-centuries under his belt.

From time to time, the question as to who is the better batsman among the two star cricketers have kept the cricket lovers busy. On Monday (January 20), England’s former skipper Michael Vaughan clearly put Kohli ahead of Smith in all forms of the game. The same question was asked to Australia’s former cricketer Dean Jones, on Twitter, and he made his choice very clear.

Despite many thinking that Jones will pick his countryman Smith, he surprised many by naming Kohli better than the 30-year-old right-hander. Talking about the two batters’ numbers, Kohli is behind Smith’s run-tally (7227) in Test cricket by 25 runs. However, the Indian captain is far ahead of Smith in the limited-overs format.

Kohli-led Team India’s next assignment is a full-fledged tour of New Zealand, which kicks off from January 24 (Friday). The tour comprises of five T20Is, three ODIs and two-match Test series, which will be a part of the ICC Test Championship. Given India’s incredible form in the longest format of the game in recent times, they will be eager to consolidate their lead at the top with Tim Paine-led Australia narrowing the gap with them with every series victory.

Kohli will be desperate to make a mark in all formats of the game and continue to win the hearts of former cricketers with the consistency he is known for.