The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Lasith Malinga in cricket was marked by significant incidents and intense competition, especially on the most popular tournaments in India, IPL.
They first clashed in 2012, with Kohli facing Malinga’s challenging bowling style. A highlight of their rivalry was during the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Kohli scored 24 runs off Malinga in a single over.
However, their rivalry wasn’t without controversy, notably in a 2019 IPL match where an umpiring error in Malinga’s delivery sparked frustration from Kohli.
Despite these competitive moments, they maintained mutual respect. Kohli even paid tribute to Malinga upon his retirement in 2021. However, the debate among fans about who is better, Virat Kohli vs Malinga, still continues.
Who Has a Better Performance: Virat Kohli vs Lasith Malinga?
The cricketing world has been graced with many talented players, but few have sparked as much debate and admiration as Virat Kohli vs Lasith Malinga.
Both have carved out unique legacies in the sport, with Kohli known for his masterful batting and Malinga for his distinctive and effective bowling.
Their contributions to cricket have been immense, but it begs the question: Who has the better performance: Kohli vs Malinga?
Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, a Sri Lanka bowler icon, is renowned for his unique slingy bowling action and lethal yorkers.
His international career, spanning from 2004 to 2020, was marked by remarkable achievements in all formats. In Tests, Malinga took 101 wickets in 30 matches, with best bowling figures of 5/50.
His ODI career was even more impressive, with 338 wickets in 226 matches, including a record three hat-tricks. In T20Is, he claimed 107 wickets in 84 matches, with best figures of 5/6.
Malinga’s IPL career, predominantly with the Mumbai Indians, was equally stellar. He played 122 matches, taking 170 wickets at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 7.14.
His best IPL figures were an astonishing 5/13. Malinga’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs, made him one of the most feared bowlers in the format.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, an India batting maestro, has been a dominant force in international cricket since his debut in 2008. His Test record includes 8676 runs in 111 matches at an average of 50.44, with 29 centuries.
In ODIs, Kohli has amassed 13794 runs in 291 matches, averaging 58.69 with 50 centuries, a testament to his consistency and prowess.
His T20I record is equally impressive, with 4008 runs in 115 matches at an average of 52.73, including 38 fifties.
Kohli’s IPL performances mirror his international success. Known for his aggressive and stylish batting, he has been a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
His ability to anchor innings and accelerate scoring has made him one of the most successful batsmen in the league’s history.
Virat Kohli vs Lasith Malinga: Who is Better?
Comparing Kohli vs Malinga is challenging due to their different roles in the game. The answer to who is better depends largely on the specific aspects of cricket one values most – the art of batting or the craft of bowling.
Key Differences and Insights
Career Span and Role
Kohli’s career spans from 2008 to the present, primarily as a top-order batter, while Malinga’s career as a bowler was from 2004 to 2020.
Performance in Test Cricket
Kohli has a substantial batting record with over 8000 runs, including 27 centuries. In contrast, Malinga, as a bowler, took 101 wickets in 30 matches, highlighting his role as a key bowler for Sri Lanka.
Impact in Their Respective Roles
Kohli is renowned for his consistent and high-scoring batting, with significant contributions in all formats. Malinga, known for his unique bowling style, has been a crucial wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Style and Legacy
Virat Kohli is celebrated for his aggressive batting and ability to chase down targets, making him one of the best batsmen in modern cricket. Malinga, with his distinctive sling-action bowling, has been a pioneer in death bowling, particularly in T20 cricket.
Final Words on Malinga vs Kohli
In conclusion, while both players have made significant contributions to cricket, their roles and styles are distinctly different.
Kohli, a batsman, has set numerous records with his consistent run-scoring across all formats. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his mental toughness stand out.
Malinga, on the other hand, revolutionized the art of fast bowling with his unique action and deadly yorkers. His impact in limited-overs cricket, especially in the IPL, is unparalleled.
In terms of batting prowess and run-scoring ability, Kohli clearly leads. However, when it comes to bowling, particularly in T20s and ODIs, Malinga’s contributions are unmatched.
All in all, the debate on Virat Kohli vs Lasith Malinga still continues, but both have been match-winners for their teams, and their legacies in cricket are secure.
