Michael Vaughan delivers a blunt verdict on Joe Root vs Virat Kohli debate

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has opened up about the debate over who is the better batter between Joe Root and Virat Kohli at the moment.

Michael Vaughan stated that if Joe Root surpasses Sachin Tendulkar in Test runs, it could be the best thing that happens to Test match cricket.

Joe Root scored his 34th Test century during the second Test against Sri Lanka. He now has more centuries than Kane Williamson and Steve Smith (both with 32 centuries), as well as Virat Kohli (29), among the Fab 4. Root also surpassed Alastair Cook for the most Test centuries by an English player.

BCCI Will Not Want An English Player - Michael Vaughan

Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Michael Vaughan discussed the comparison between Virat Kohli and Joe Root. Vaughan suggested that the BCCI would prefer an Indian player to hold the top spot.

"I'll answer that question after the Ashes next year about Joe," Adam Gilchrist said.

"Yeah, that's a good point. But even if it goes wrong, I still think he'll carry on. Just on that, I mean, if Joe does go past Sachin, it could be the best thing that happens to Test Match Cricket. Because there's no way Jay Shah and the team at the BCCI will want an English player at the top of that list," Michael Vaughan said.

"They'll want an Indian at the top. So I think that'll secure Test Match Cricket forever because it'll take forever for someone to go past him," he added.

"So, yeah, on stats alone, Joe Root is a better player. Joe doesn't get the same attention, does he? I mean, Virat, I would say, across all formats, you could argue, is obviously just ahead of Joe Root. But in Test cricket alone, Joe Root's numbers are better," Michael Vaughan added.

Joe Root vs Virat Kohli Test Cricket Stats

Joe Root is the highest run-scorer among active cricketers in Test cricket. The former England skipper has scored 12,377 runs in 265 innings at an impressive average of 50.93.

He has hit 33 centuries and 64 half-centuries in the longer international format, with a best score of 254 runs.

The Yorkshire batter has been in exceptional form in Test cricket since 2021. The right-handed batter has scored 4,451 runs in 87 innings, including 16 centuries and 15 fifties.

The 33-year-old is a strong contender to surpass Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's (15,921) record for most runs.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli has amassed 8,848 Test runs in 191 innings at an average of 49.15, with the help of 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries.

Notably, his performance has dipped slightly since 2021. He has scored 1,530 runs in 44 innings, including two centuries and seven fifties.

Overall, Virat Kohli has scored 26,942 runs in 533 matches across all formats, with 80 centuries. Joe Root has amassed 19,546 runs in 347 games, including 49 centuries in international cricket.

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