Is Kohli the Greatest All-Format Player of the Last 15 Years?
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Synopsis
New Zealand star Kane Williamson praises Indian legend Virat Kohli as the greatest all-format player in the last 15 years. Discover the insights into their friendship and Kohli's remarkable journey amid scrutiny from cricket fans.
Key Takeaways
- Kane Williamson praises Virat Kohli as the greatest in the last 15 years.
- The 'Fab Four' includes Kohli, Williamson, Smith, and Root.
- Kohli faces intense scrutiny in cricket-mad India.
- Friendships among top players transcend competition.
- Williamson and Kohli share life experiences beyond cricket.
London, July 12 (NationPress) Renowned New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has hailed the extraordinary Indian batter Virat Kohli as the greatest all-format player that cricket has seen in the last 15 years. He commended Kohli for navigating through the challenges posed by the relentless scrutiny from a cricket-obsessed nation like India.
Kohli, along with Williamson and fellow batsmen—Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root—comprise the illustrious ‘Fab Four’ of modern cricket. This quartet has left an indelible mark on the sport with their spectacular performances across all formats for over a decade. While Kohli has taken a step back from Test and T20 formats, Smith has bid farewell to ODIs.
On the other hand, Root and Williamson have not been regular fixtures in T20Is for quite some time. “Virat is arguably the greatest all-format player we’ve seen in the last 15 years, and he has faced his own challenges. In a country that lives and breathes cricket, he has remained at the pinnacle,” Williamson stated to Sky Sports during day three of the third Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Lord’s.
“There are wonderful relationships and friendships among us, each in unique ways, and we keep in touch often. However, there isn’t a fierce competitive edge. You’re simply part of a team, eager to compete for your squad,” remarked Williamson.
Currently in England for a domestic cricket engagement with Middlesex, Williamson shared that he had the opportunity to meet Kohli, who resides in the city with his family. “Yes, we did meet. It felt quite amusing, just a full circle, and that’s the other part of it,” he added.
“We haven’t just played cricket but have also lived our lives in parallel for a significant part, experiencing similar milestones like parenthood at comparable times and navigating various phases as we grow older. This creates a connection on multiple levels,” he concluded.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the monumental impact players like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson have on cricket. Their contributions transcend mere statistics, inspiring countless fans and aspiring cricketers. Kohli's ability to handle pressure while maintaining composure is what sets him apart, making him a cornerstone of modern cricket.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Kane Williamson call the greatest all-format player?
Kane Williamson referred to Virat Kohli as the greatest all-format player cricket has witnessed in the last 15 years.
What challenges has Kohli faced as a player?
Kohli has faced intense scrutiny from fans and media in India, a cricket-mad nation, which has added pressure to his performances.
What is the 'Fab Four' in cricket?
The 'Fab Four' refers to the elite group of modern cricketers including Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, known for their exceptional batting abilities across all formats.
