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Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are two of the finest batsmen of this decade. They both have averages above 50 and a strike rate of above 90 in ODI cricket. AB de Villiers has a strike rate of above 100 and Kohli an average nearing 60.
These facts suggest that they have been the best batsman in the current generation. Hence, the debate is about who is the better batsman amongst these players. Everyone has a different opinion on who is a better batsman. Let's take a statistical look at who is a better batsman in ODI cricket.
Also Read: MS Dhoni vs Dinesh Karthik: A statistical comparison
Method 1: Average in wins
This method helps us understand how they contribute to their team's wins.
Virat Kohli
In wins, Virat Kohli has an extraordinary average of 77.27 in 137 matches.
AB de Villiers
In wins, AB de Villiers has an excellent average of 66.01 in 141 matches.
Based on these above stats, Virat Kohli gets a point.
AB de Villiers: 0 points
Virat Kohli: 1 point
Method 2: Average in successful chases
This method helps us understand how well they can bat in pressure situations and take the team across the line.
Virat Kohli
In successful chases, Virat Kohli averages an out of the world 95.24.
AB de Villiers
In successful chases, AB de Villiers averages a fantastic 82.77
In this facet, Virat Kohli also holds an edge over AB de Villiers.
AB de Villiers: 0 points
Virat Kohli: 2 points
Method 3: Average in wins batting first
This method helps us understand how good the players are at building innings and driving a team to a good total.
Virat Kohli
In wins batting first, Virat Kohli has scored runs at a splendid average of 49.71
AB de Villiers
In wins batting first, AB de Villiers has scored runs at a grand average of 51.00
Thus, AB de Villiers finally gets a point.
AB de Villiers: 1 point
Virat Kohli: 2 points
Method 4: Average against top five teams (India, South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Australia)
This method tells us how well the players perform against quality opposition.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has a great average of 56.68 against South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Australia.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has an excellent average of 50.68 against India, New Zealand, England, and Australia.
In this method, Virat Kohli once again holds the edge due to his superior average.
AB de Villiers: 1 point
Virat Kohli: 3 points
Method 5: Average batting first against top 5 teams.
This method tells us how well the players can build innings against quality opposition.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has an excellent average of 47.16 against South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Australia while batting first.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has a comparatively poor average of 42.17 against India, New Zealand, England, and Australia batting first.
In this method, Virat Kohli once again holds the edge due to his superior average.
AB de Villiers: 1 point
Virat Kohli: 4 points
Method 6: Average batting second against top 5 teams
This method helps us know how of a player they are while batting second under more pressure against quality opposition.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has an excellent average of 64.36 against South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Australia while chasing.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has an excellent average of 60.00 against India, New Zealand, England, and Australia batting second.
In this method, Virat Kohli scores another point
AB de Villiers: 1 point
Virat Kohli: 5 points
Method 7: Strike Rate
This method helps us know how explosive they are and how they can change the complexion of the game in just a few overs.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has a good strike rate of 93.0 in ODI cricket.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has an out of the world strike rate of 101.1 in ODI cricket.
In the facet of play, AB de Villiers holds an edge and thus gets a point.
AB de Villiers: 2 points
Virat Kohli: 5 points
Method 8: Innings per century ratio (Overall)
This method helps us understand how often the players will have a great impact on the teams final score.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has an exceptional innings per century ratio of 5.53 innings per century.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has a decent innings per century ratio of 9.12
Through this method, Virat Kohli again gets a point.
AB de Villiers: 2 points
Virat Kohli: 6 points
Method 9: Innings per century ratio (Away)
This method helps us understand how often the players will have a great impact on the teams final score while playing away from the familiar home conditions.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has an extraordinary innings per century ration of 6.27 away from home.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers too has an exceptional innings per century ratio of 8.31
In the facet of play, Virat Kohli holds an edge and thus gets a point. What has to be noted though is the that AB de Villiers has a better innings per century ratio away from home than at home. But nonetheless, Virat Kohli gets a point here as well.
AB de Villiers: 2 points
Virat Kohli: 7 points
Based on the above stats, we can conclude that Kohli has been a better player than de Villiers over the years, but what has to be noted is the de Villiers is a multi-dimensional player. He can play an ODI inning at a strike rate of 338 like during his 149 off just 44 balls against West Indies or a test innings at a strike rate of 14.48 like during his 43 runs in 297 balls against India.
Kohli, while he doesn't have the exquisite paddle sweeps and the audacious reverse sweep ramps amongst some other shots that no one can name, can play all the textbook shots and has a strong bottom hand technique which can counter the moving ball with ease. He is one of the few cricketers who has scored runs all over the world and his century in the first Test against England in 2018 is a testimony to that.
There is no real test for who is a better batsman, both are amongst the fittest cricketers, both are amongst the best fielders in the world, both share so many things in common, yet have so many differences as well.
They are both two of the best players in the world and it is a joy to watch them play together in the IPL as well as against each other in the international circuit. Let's hope they continue to entertain us for many years to come.
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