Virat Kohli vs David Warner: Who Is Better? Batting & Stats Comparison

4.7 (37) When we talk about the greats of modern cricket, Virat Kohli and David Warner inevitably come to mind. Both the players have redefined batting in their own way! Kohli with his unmatched consistency and Warner with his fearless explosive starts. Over the years, these two legends have performed to such an extent that […]

When we talk about the greats of modern cricket, Virat Kohli and David Warner inevitably come to mind. Both the players have redefined batting in their own way! Kohli with his unmatched consistency and Warner with his fearless explosive starts. Over the years, these two legends have performed to such an extent that they have now become indispensable for their teams. But the million dollar question remains, who is the better batsman between Virat Kohli and David Warner?

In this detailed blog, we will compare their performances across all formats while exploring their records.

Virat Kohli vs David Warner Stats Overview

Both batters have phenomenal records, but their styles and strengths differ. Let’s dive deeper into each format to see who edges ahead.

Format	Virat Kohli	David Warner
Tests	86 Matches, 7,240 Runs, Avg 53.62, SR 57.68, 27 100s	84 Matches, 7,244 Runs, Avg 48.94, SR 72.85, 24 100s
ODIs	248 Matches, 11,867 Runs, Avg 59.33, SR 93.25, 43 100s	123 Matches, 5,267 Runs, Avg 45.80, SR 95.76, 18 100s
T20Is	82 Matches, 2,794 Runs, Avg 50.80, SR 138.24	79 Matches, 2,207 Runs, Avg 31.52, SR 140.48
IPL	177 Matches, 5,412 Runs, Avg 37.84, SR 131.61, 5 100s	126 Matches, 4,706 Runs, Avg 43.17, SR 142.39, 4 100s

Comparison of Performance in Tests

Stat Category	Virat Kohli	David Warner
Matches	109	112
Innings	205	210
Runs	8,786	9,230
Highest Score	254	335
Average	45.00	47.00
Strike Rate	55.58	70.19
100s / 50s	31 / 37	26 / 37
Fours	1,036	1,027
Sixes	69	30
Balls Faced	15,811	13,147
Minutes Batted	23,326	18,792
Wickets	4	0
Best Bowling	2/45	–
Economy Rate	4.72	2.88
Catches	91	121
Stumpings	0	0

Kohli’s ability to dominate in a variety of conditions and against all bowling attacks makes him one of the best Test batsmen of the modern era. His technique and temperament are well suited to long innings.

On the other hand, Warner is known for his explosive starts at the top of the order. His aggressive approach can destroy any spell. But sometimes this has led to inconsistency in Tests as well in overseas conditions, especially in England and India.

Comparison of Performance in ODIs

Stat Category	Virat Kohli	David Warner
Matches	290	159
Innings	290	159
Runs	14,181	6,932
Highest Score	183	179
Average	58.00	45.00
Strike Rate	93.35	97.26
100s / 50s	51 / 33	22 / 33
Fours	1,325	733
Sixes	152	130
Balls Faced	15,179	7,128
Minutes Batted	20,070	10,310
Wickets	0	5
Best Bowling	–	1/13
Economy Rate	8.00	6.16
Catches	71	161
Stumpings	0	0

Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. His ability to chase targets, his consistency and his knack for converting half-centuries into centuries have set a new benchmark. Warner is a devastating ODI opener who can change a match quickly, but Kohli’s record, especially when chasing, stands in its own right.

Comparison of Performance in T20Is

Stat Category	Virat Kohli	David Warner
Matches	117	110
Innings	117	110
Runs	4,188	3,277
Highest Score	122	100
Average	49.00	33.00
Strike Rate	137.04	142.48
100s / 50s	1 / 38	1 / 28
Fours	369	337
Sixes	124	122
Balls Faced	3,055	2,300
Minutes Batted	4,622	3,234
Wickets	0	4
Best Bowling	–	1/13
Economy Rate	0	8.05
Catches	62	54
Stumpings	0	0

Kohli has been the backbone of India’s T20I batting for over a decade. What makes him stand out is his unreal consistency even in the shortest format with an average of 50+ is rare in T20Is.

Warner, however, brings the x-factor as a left-handed powerhouse capable of tearing apart any bowling attack on his day. His strike rate is marginally better, but his average is far behind Kohli’s.

Virat Kohli vs David Warner in the IPL

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Matches: 177
Runs: 5,412
Average: 37.84
Strike Rate: 131.61
Hundreds/Fifties: 5/36

David Warner (Delhi & Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Matches: 126
Runs: 4,706
Average: 43.17
Strike Rate: 142.39
Hundreds/Fifties: 4/44

Kohli is the face of RCB and is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, while Warner has been the most consistent overseas player. His record is excellent, with a good average, high strike rate and more than half-centuries despite playing fewer matches.

Warner also led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first IPL title in 2016, in which he proved his leadership qualities.

Overall Verdict

Let’s summarize the comparison:

Format	Winner
Tests	Tie
ODIs	Virat Kohli
T20Is	Virat Kohli
IPL	David Warner

Kohli leads the contest 2-1, making him the overall winner.

Why Kohli Wins Overall?

Kohli’s record across all formats, especially international cricket, is exceptional. He has dominated Tests, ODIs and T20Is with a blend of aggression and technical brilliance. His adaptability under pressure, mental toughness and consistency make him one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

However, Warner remains a true match-winner with his explosive batting. He is also capable of turning games around single-handedly. His IPL and limited-overs records make him one of Australia’s finest modern openers.

Virat Kohli’s Records

Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (205 innings)
First player to score three consecutive centuries against two different countries (WI & SL)
Fastest to 1,000 ODI runs in a year (11 innings)
Quickest to 4,000 Test runs as captain
First player to score double centuries in 4 consecutive Test series
Most hundreds while chasing in ODIs (23)
Only player with 15,000+ international runs at an average above 50
Six Test double hundreds as captain, which is a world record

David Warner’s Records

Highest score in Australian domestic one-day cricket: 197 off 141 balls
First Australian in 132 years to be picked for the national team without first-class experience
First Australian to score 1,500 T20I runs
Fastest Test fifty by an Australian (23 balls)
First Aussie to hit a hundred in his 100th ODI
Only foreign player with 4000+ IPL runs
Three-time IPL Orange Cap winner (2015, 2017, 2019)

Awards and Achievements

Virat Kohli

ICC Cricketer of the Year: 2017, 2018
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India’s highest sporting honor)
Arjuna Award and Padma Shri recipient
Multiple ICC Team of the Year selections
Numerous Player of the Series and Player of the Match awards

David Warner

Allan Border Medal (2016, 2017) as Australia’s top cricket honor
Australia’s ODI Player of the Year (2017)
ICC ODI Team of the Year (multiple years)
IPL Orange Cap (3 times)
Led SRH to IPL title in 2016

Conclusion

Both Virat Kohli and David Warner are legends of modern cricket, each excelling in their own way. Kohli’s consistency, chasing ability and leadership under pressure make him the complete batsman. On the other hand, Warner has the aggression, power and dominance in the white-ball format that makes him a fan favorite and a nightmare for bowlers.

However, when we look at the overall stats, consistency and impact, Virat Kohli beats Warner to win the title of the best batsman.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Who has a better record in all formats, Kohli or Warner?

Virat Kohli’s record is the best in all formats. With over 25,000 international runs across all three formats and an average of over 50, Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Warner, despite being very successful, lags behind Kohli in consistency, especially in Tests and ODIs.

Q2. Who is better in the IPL?

In the IPL, David Warner has been more consistent. His average and strike rate are better and he holds the record for the most half-centuries and Orange Caps by any player. However, Kohli has scored more runs overall in the historic 2016 season, in which he scored 973 runs, the most in a single edition.

Q3. How do Kohli and Warner perform under pressure?

Kohli is considered the best chaser in world cricket. His ability to absorb pressure and finish matches is unmatched. On the other hand, Warner thrives more on pace and aggression.

Q4. Who has won more individual awards between Kohli and Warner?

Kohli has won several ICC awards, including the ICC Cricketer of the Year and India’s prestigious Khel Ratna award. Warner has won two Allan Border Medals and three IPL Orange Caps. However, Kohli’s list of accolades on the global stage is much longer.

Q5. Who will be remembered as the greatest player?

Both will be remembered as modern-day greats, but Virat Kohli’s legacy goes beyond numbers. His leadership and consistency across formats make him a once-in-a-generation player. Warner will be remembered as one of Australia’s most explosive openers, but Kohli’s overall impact makes him a great player.