The rivalry between Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson, which began around 2014, extends beyond their stats and records.
The first notable incident occurred during the third Test at the MCG, where Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson were involved in a heated exchange.
After scoring an impressive 169, Kohli criticized Johnson and the Australian team in a press conference, highlighting the verbal sparring and a specific incident where Johnson’s throw struck Kohli.
Kohli expressed his annoyance with Johnson’s actions and confronted him on the field. He stated that he respected only some Australia players and had a particularly strained relationship with Johnson.
The Kohli vs Johnson rivalry was reignited during the second match between India and Australia in Bengaluru in 2017.
Johnson accused Kohli of being passionate but frustrated due to his lack of runs, suggesting that Kohli’s emotions were getting the better of him.
Another episode in the Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson duels occurred during the second Test at Perth in 2018.
Johnson labeled Kohli’s actions as disrespectful and hypocritical, particularly towards Australia captain Tim Paine.
Johnson criticized Kohli for his lack of sportsmanship, particularly for not making eye contact with Paine during the post-match handshake, which he deemed disrespectful.
These three episodes capture the essence of the rivalry between Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson, sparking another question among fans and analysts: ‘Who is better?’
Who Has a Better Performance: Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson?
The cricketing careers of Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson have been marked by exceptional achievements and memorable performances.
Both players have left indelible marks on the sport, showcasing their unique talents and contributing significantly to their respective teams’ successes.
Virat Kohli, a top-order batter from India, is renowned for his remarkable batting skills and has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket.
Mitchell Johnson, an Australian left-arm fast bowler, is celebrated for his fast and aggressive bowling style.
Their careers spanned different periods, with Kohli’s career still ongoing and Johnson having retired from all forms of cricket.
The Highlight of Virat Kohli’s Career
Virat Kohli’s cricket career is distinguished by numerous records and accolades. As of 2023, he has played 111 Test matches, scoring 8,676 runs at an average of 49.29, including 29 centuries.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has appeared in 292 matches, amassing 13,848 runs at an impressive average of 58.67, with 50 centuries to his name. In T20 Internationals, he has scored 4,008 runs in 115 matches at an average of 52.73.
Kohli is the highest run-scorer in T20I and the Indian Premier League (IPL), with a record for the most centuries in ODI cricket.
He was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
In the IPL, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has scored 7,263 runs in 237 matches, including 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries.
The Highlight of Mitchell Johnson’s Career
Mitchell Johnson’s career is highlighted by his fast bowling and significant contributions to the Australia cricket team.
He played 73 Test matches, taking 313 wickets at an average of 28.40, including 12 five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, he appeared in 153 matches, claiming 239 wickets at an average of 25.26.
Johnson was a key player in Australia’s victories in the 2007 and 2015 Cricket World Cups and the 2006 and 2009 ICC Champions Trophies.
He was awarded the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014. In the IPL, representing teams like Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, Johnson took 61 wickets in 54 matches.
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson: Who is Better?
The debate over the comparative merits of Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson in cricket is a fascinating one, given their different roles and styles.
Both have made significant contributions to their respective teams, and their statistics offer a detailed insight into their careers.
Career Span and Experience
Kohli’s career spans from 2008 to the present, showcasing longevity and adaptability across formats.
On the other hand, Johnson’s career, though shorter (2005-2015), was marked by impactful bowling performances.
Performance in Different Formats
Kohli, primarily a batsman, has amassed significant runs in all formats, with a particularly impressive record in ODIs. Moreover, Johnson as a bowler, has impressive wicket tallies in Tests and ODIs, with notable performances in Test cricket.
Impact and Role
Kohli’s role as a top-order batter is reflected in his high run-scoring and century counts, especially in ODIs.
At some point, Johnson’s impact as a bowler is evident in his wicket-taking ability, with multiple 5-wicket hauls in Tests.
Stylistic Differences
Virat Kohli is known for his aggressive batting and ability to anchor innings. Meanwhile, Johnson was renowned for his fast and aggressive bowling, capable of changing the course of a match.
Final Words on Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson
Comparing Virat Kohli and Mitchell Johnson involves assessing two different cricketing roles – batting and bowling.
Kohli, as a batsman, has set numerous records and is known for his consistency and ability to play under pressure. His contributions in all formats of the game, especially in ODIs and T20s, are unparalleled.
Johnson, on the other hand, was a fearsome fast bowler known for his ability to swing the ball and take crucial wickets. His role in Australia’s major tournament victories and his comeback performances, particularly in the 2013-14 Ashes series, highlight his impact on the game.
In terms of overall impact, Kohli’s batting records and his role in shaping India cricket’s recent successes give him an edge in this comparison.
However, Johnson’s contributions as a fast bowler were equally vital to Australia’s dominance in world cricket during his playing years.
All in all, in the Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Johnson rivalry, both players excelled in their respective roles, making a direct comparison challenging but acknowledging their individual greatness and contributions to cricket is essential.
