“One of the most consistent after Sangakkara” - When Angelo Mathews picked Virat Kohli as the best batter in Fab 4
Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews shares a cordial relationship with Virat Kohli. The duo have had several moments on and off the field, rife with mutual respect. Both players made their international debuts in the same year, and have seen a lot of ups and downs throughout their storied careers.
The neck-to-neck race between the members of the famous Fab Four (Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli) has intensified in the recent past. The former England skipper has made a massive statement with his legendary red-ball run after the COVID break, while Kohli still asserts himself as the best when it comes to all formats.
Despite Kohli's firm grip over proceedings, his lean run after the lockdown period did hurt his credentials a little. He has recovered from the slump, enjoying record-breaking campaigns in the World Cup and the IPL, and repairing his red-ball record in the upcoming home season would be on his agenda.
Kohli has had Mathews' backing as the best among the Fab Four from a long back. He had vouched for the former India skipper in 2020, even going as far as branding him as the most consistent player ever after Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara.
"I would go with Virat Kohli as he is one of the most consistent after Sangakkara," Mathews had said in an interview with Crictraker.
Virat Kohli will be seen in action after a lengthy break during India's home series against Bangladesh, set to commence from September 19 onwards.
Virat Kohli has a better ODI average than Sangakkara, but has an inferior figure in Tests
Virat Kohli has earned his reputation as one of the most consistent ever. He holds an average close to 50 across all formats, and his consistency has played a huge role in that. He has not had many prolonged spells over the course of his 16-year career, and from the looks of it, the ace batter is not slowing down as well.
Currently, Kohli holds an average of 49.15 and 58.18 in ODIs and Tests, respectively. Sangakkara, on the other hand, boasts a dominant average of 57.40 in the longest format, but the number drops down to 41.98 in ODI cricket.