Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson: 'Clash of the big 4' Part 1
There exists a quartet of batsmen who have elevated their game and distanced themselves from the rest of the pack in world cricket. An Indian, a Kiwi, an Englishman and an Australian stand head and shoulders over the rest in the world right now. It is widely acknowledged that these batsmen, called the ‘Fab 4’ will dominate the game in the years to come.
For cricket fans in India, with the long home Test season approaching, they will witness at first-hand the magic of these batsmen. India will first host New Zealand, followed by England and Australia. Virat Kohli will stand toe to toe against Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Steven Smith.
Read: 5 reasons why Kiwis might be an able match for India
As the Kiwis are scheduled to visit India first and play their first match in just 8 days, Kane Williamson is the first batsman to be compared to Virat Kohli.
Part 1: Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson
Bio
| Virat Kohli | Kane Williamson | |
| Age | 27 | 26 |
| Batting-style | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Role for team | Middle order, captain | No.3, captain |
| Runs | 3245 | 4393 |
| Average | 45.06 | 51.08 |
| 100s, 50s | 12,12 | 14, 22 |
Sports and statistics can never be too far apart. While efforts have been made to analyse aspects parts of the game, like the overall impact a player has on the game, it is simply impossible to ignore the numbers. The numbers do tell a tale however, Kane Williamson has to be considered the better batsman by far. He has scored more runs, amassed more hundreds and fifties, has a better average, has played more games and most importantly, he is younger.
While Virat Kohli is arguably the most dominant limited-overs batsman in the world, the Kiwi, with his all-round game has to be considered a better Test batsman currently.
Form since 2014
Both batsmen made their debuts in the early part of this decade. For any player who makes the transition up to the Test level, it does take a while before they settle into their roles and feel comfortable.
We have filtered their performances to reflect how they have performed over the past 30 months. Does that present a different tale?
| Virat Kohli | Kane Williamson | |
| Tests | 23 | 23 |
| Runs | 1738 | 2599 |
| Average | 45.73 | 72.19 |
| 100s | 7 | 10 |
It is clear who the form batsman has been over the past couple of years. Kane Williamson has endured a purple period and plundered runs against all opponents, sparing nobody. Kohli’s record is pretty impressive too, but he has been dented by a poor showing in England.
Both batsman have one double-hundred to their names and would be looking to add another to their kitty if they can deal with the spin in India.
As captain
| Virat Kohli | Kane Williamson | |
| Tests | 4 | 4 |
| Runs | 1147 | 356 |
| Average | 54.61 | 89 |
| 100s | 5 | 1 |
It is too early into Kane Williamson’s stint as a captain to draw any conclusions as to how he might perform. The early signs are good as he has continued in his rich vein of form. Virat Kohli has thrived as a captain and his numbers have significantly increased as the leader of the Indian team.
The Indian team has also been sensation with Virat Kohli as captain, winning 7 matches and losing only 2. Kane Williamson had an easy start to his life as captain in a series against Zimbabwe, but was found wanting against South Africa.
Strengths
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli’s strengths include the fact that he has a full array of shots as his disposal, scoring runs all over the ground in the process. He is masterful off his pads and has no trouble working it on the leg-side. He also has the ability to play the short ball well, pulling at will. Against spin, he has the ability to use his feet well.
Kane Williamson: Kane Williamson is a joy to watch, his orthodox style ensures that he plays a number of shots in the ‘V’ down the ground. Over the years, he has shown that he has the ability to go through the gears quickly and score runs at a decent rate. He is equally comfortable against pace and spin.
Weaknesses
Virat Kohli: For one of the best batsmen in the world, Kohli’s weaknesses are pretty apparent. He is guilty of playing the ball away from his body, often finding the outside edge of the bat. He has also been found wanting when he shuffles across the crease and gets caught in front.
Kane Williamson: His weaknesses are less apparent and he seems the more well-rounded Test batsman. Upon further probing, there does appear to be a chink in his armour. A 3rd of his dismissals have come against left-arm finger spinners. Good news for Ravindra Jadeja and India.
Summary
Kane Williamson does have the lead as a batsman by a slender, slender margin. Virat Kohli is never more dangerous than when he is backed into a corner, and he will be raring to go, determined to prove he is the best out there. The difference might be in their captaincy, and not in their batting, since they control so much of what happens on the field for their sides.
One thing is for sure, it’s going to be one fascinating battle as Kohli and Williamson take each other on over the course of the three Tests.
We are lucky to be alive to witness this, it will be special.