The debate over who is better, Ben Stokes or Virat Kohli, has gained attention following their history of verbal confrontations on the cricket field.
This rivalry dates back to their initial clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012.
Since then, Kohli and Stokes have been involved in numerous on-field altercations and verbal exchanges, with notable incidents occurring during the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2021 Headingley Test match.
These encounters have fueled the ongoing Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli discussion among cricket fans and analysts.
Who Has a Better Performance: Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli?
In the realm of international cricket, Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli stand out as titans of the game, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport with their distinctive playing styles and achievements.
Stokes, England’s dynamic all-rounder, is celebrated for his electrifying presence on the field, blending robust batting with strategic bowling.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is a maestro of batting from India, known for his technical finesse and aggressive approach, consistently rewriting centuries and the record books.
Their remarkable journeys in cricket have not only enthralled fans worldwide but also raised the bar for excellence in the sport, leading to a compelling debate, who has better performance: Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli?
The Highlight of Ben Stokes’ Career
Ben Stokes, an English cricketer, has made significant contributions in all formats of the game.
His Test career, as of January 2022, includes 7,500 runs at an average of 36.54, with a highest score of 258.
In ODIs, Stokes has amassed over 2,700 runs at an average of around 40, with a highest score of 102*.
His T20I record is equally impressive, with over 400 runs and a strike rate of 136.12.
In the IPL, Stokes has been a valuable player, scoring 920 runs in 43 matches with a strike rate of 134.50, and taking 28 wickets, showcasing his ability in the Ben Stokes vs Kohli IPL encounters.
The Highlight of Virat Kohli’s Career
Virat Kohli, the India batting icon, has an illustrious career in all formats. In Tests, he has scored over 7,500 runs at an average of 52.37, including 27 centuries.
His ODI record is even more remarkable, with over 12,000 runs at an average of 59.07 and 43 centuries.
In T20Is, Kohli has scored over 3,000 runs at an average of 52.65 and a strike rate of 138.04.
In the IPL, he has been a standout performer, scoring 7,263 runs in 237 matches at an average of 37.25, including 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries, often pitting Kohli vs Stokes.
Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli: Who is Better?
The answer to Stokes vs Kohli: who is better depends on the context. Comparing Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli is challenging due to their different roles in their teams. Here are some crucial point to consider:
Key Differences and Insights
Career Span and Experience
Kohli’s international career began earlier (2008) compared to Stokes (2011), giving him more years of experience at the international level.
Performance in Different Formats
Kohli has played more matches in all formats, reflecting his longer career. He has a higher run total and average in Tests and ODIs.
Stokes, as an all-rounder, contributes both with bat and ball, offering a different dynamic to the team.
Consistency and Conversion
Kohli has a remarkable number of centuries in ODIs (43) and Tests (29), showing his ability to convert starts into big scores.
Stokes has shown his capability in crucial moments, especially in Tests and ODIs, with significant innings.
The debate of Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli are bigger than that two format. To fully understand about the performance from both. Let’s take a look deeper into the T20i format:
- Kohli’s T20I record is outstanding, with an average of 51.50 and a high score of 94*, reflecting his adaptability and consistency in the shortest format.
- Stokes has a more modest T20I record, with an average of 25.88 and no half-centuries, indicating a different role in this format.
Stylistic Differences
Kohli is known for his aggressive and dominant batting style, often taking control of the game.
Stokes is recognized for his ability to change the game both with bat and ball, known for his aggressive batting and useful medium pace bowling.
Final Words on Ben Stokes vs Virat Kohli
In conclusion, the comparison of Kohli vs Stokes shows both players are exceptional in their roles.
Virat Kohli’s extensive career and statistical achievements across all formats of the game underscore his status as one of the greats in cricket.
Ben Stokes, with his all-round capabilities, has shown remarkable skill and has been a game-changer in several instances, making him one of the most valuable players in the modern game.
They have left an indelible mark on the sport, with performances that continue to inspire and entertain cricket fans around the world.
All in all comparisons between Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli highlight the unique strengths and contributions of each player.
