Virat Kohli vs Suryakumar Yadav: Who Is Better? Batting & Stats Comparison

When it comes to Indian cricket, there are few people who are as much in the news as Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Both players are match-winners, but their style, format and impact on the game are very different.

Known as the “run machine”, Virat Kohli has dominated all three formats for over a decade. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, or “Sky”, has become the face of modern T20 cricket with his innovative 360-degree stroke play.

In this blog, we will break down the statistics of Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav across all formats and decide who is ahead in each format.

Virat Kohli And Suryakumar Yadav: Overall Summary

While Kohli has been a mainstay of Indian batting for over 15 years, Suryakumar has burst onto the scene with explosive batting. But how do they compare statistically?

Test Format Comparison

In the longest format, there is no comparison. Kohli is one of the greatest Test batsmen of the modern era. His technique, patience and ability to play both pace and spin have been world-class.

However, Suryakumar has barely played a single Test match since his debut. His aggressive T20 style of play is yet to be seen in red-ball cricket.

Comparison Of ODI Formats

In ODIs, Virat Kohli is in a league of his own. He is not only one of the most consistent performers but also the fastest player to score 13,000 ODI runs. Kohli’s ability to chase down totals is unmatched, earning him the nickname Chase Master.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar has shown flashes of brilliance in the 50-over format but has not found the consistency he has in T20. His middle-order aggression is valuable but not yet dominant.

Comparison Of T20I Formats

Virat Kohli has been India’s most reliable T20 batsman for over a decade. His incredible average of 50+ is a testament to his consistency. Kohli is also the highest run-scorer in T20I history, often anchoring innings and finishing games.

However, Suryakumar Yadav has revolutionised T20 batting. His strike rate of 172+ is the highest in world cricket. He can hit boundaries anywhere in the park, from scoop shots at fine leg to lofts over extra cover.

Kohli brings stability, while SKY brings aggression and unpredictability.

Playing Style Comparison

Virat Kohli: Classical Master

• Strengths: Timing, technique, chasing ability, fitness and temperament.
• Weaknesses: Sometimes struggles against left-arm spin in the middle overs.
• Role played: Sheet anchor, who builds the innings, rotates strikes and paces at the end.
• Signature Shots: Cover Drive, Flick through midwicket, Straight Drive.

Suryakumar Yadav: 360° Innovator

• Strengths: Innovation, strike rotation, fearless batting, adaptability to situations.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent against moving the ball early on.
• Role played: Finisher/attacking No. 4 or No. 5 batsman.
• Signature Shots: Scoop over fine leg, lofted extra-cover drive, reverse flick.

Leadership And Temperament

The Kohli era has transformed Indian cricket, especially in Tests, where India has dominated overseas under his leadership. His aggressive approach and steadfast work ethic have inspired a generation.

Suryakumar, though not yet a regular captain at the international level, has shown calm leadership in domestic and IPL games. His cool temperament and fearless approach under pressure make him a future leader candidate in limited-overs cricket.

The Final Verdict: Who Is Better Overall?

The choice between Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav depends on the format and what kind of batter you value more.

• In Tests and ODIs, Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the superior, as well as being consistent and a match-winner.
• In T20Is, Suryakumar’s explosiveness gives him the edge in impact, innovation and adaptability.

Overall Winner: Virat Kohli (All-Format Great), T20 Specialist Winner: Suryakumar Yadav (Modern Talent)

Conclusion

Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav represent two different generations and batting philosophies. Kohli’s traditional, technically strong approach has created records that can never be broken. Suryakumar, on the other hand, is the epitome of a fearless, inventive modern batsman who is built for the fast-paced T20 era. In conclusion, both are treasures of Indian cricket where one is a legend, the other an artist redefining the future.

Read More: Ravindra Jadeja vs Hardik Pandya: Who Is Better All-Rounder?

FAQs

Q1. Who is better in T20, Kohli or Suryakumar?

Suryakumar Yadav is on top in T20 because of his phenomenal strike rate (170+) and ability to score quickly in all areas of the field. However, Kohli is more consistent with a better average. In short – Kohli is reliable, SKY is revolutionary.

Q2. Who has more centuries?

Virat Kohli has 80+ international centuries, including 50 in ODIs alone. Primarily a T20 player, Suryakumar Yadav has 4 centuries in T20 and no centuries in other formats.

Q3. Who performs better under pressure?

Virat Kohli is considered one of the best pressure players in cricket history. His chasing ability, especially in ODIs, has won India many matches. Suryakumar also thrives in a more aggressive role under pressure.

Q4. Who is more valuable in ICC tournaments?

Kohli has been the backbone of India in ICC tournaments since 2011, winning several Player of the Tournament awards. Suryakumar’s explosive performance in the T20 World Cup 2022 propelled him to the global stage, but Kohli’s legacy is unmatched.

Q5. Can Suryakumar Yadav reach Virat Kohli’s level in the future?

It is unlikely in terms of overall statistics as Kohli’s longevity and dominance across formats is unmatched. However, if he maintains his current form and innovation for a few more years, SKY could surpass Kohli’s T20I dominance.