Who’s the king of cricket?

Exploring the top cricketers of the modern era and determining who truly deserves the title of the king of cricket.

The centuries tell the tale

When it comes to determining who is the king of cricket, one of the key factors to consider is the number of centuries each player has scored across all three formats of the game. Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root have all showcased their incredible batting skills by consistently scoring centuries in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Each player has a remarkable record of reaching the three-figure mark, displaying their exceptional talent and ability to dominate the game.

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer, has a phenomenal record of scoring centuries across formats. He has scored a total of 32 centuries in Test matches, 12 centuries in ODIs, and 0 centuries in T20Is. His ability to score big runs consistently has made him one of the most prolific batsmen in the modern era.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, is known for his elegant batting style and his ability to score centuries under pressure. He has scored 32 centuries in Test matches, 13 centuries in ODIs, and 0 centuries in T20Is. Williamson's technique and temperament make him a formidable opponent in all formats of the game.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. He has an impressive record of 29 centuries in Test matches, 50 centuries in ODIs, and 1 century in T20Is. Kohli's hunger for runs and his consistent performances have earned him the title of a run-scoring machine.

Joe Root, the English captain, is known for his solid technique and ability to construct big innings. He has scored 31 centuries in Test matches, 16 centuries in ODIs, and 0 centuries in T20Is. Root's batting prowess and his knack for converting starts into big scores have made him a vital asset for the England cricket team.

Defining Big Game Moments

Apart from scoring centuries, another aspect that sets apart the king of cricket is their ability to perform in big game moments and win matches for their teams. Smith, Williamson, Kohli, and Root have all displayed their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters the most. 

Steve Smith has played several match-winning innings throughout his career. His unbeaten 144 runs in the 2019 Ashes Test match at Edgbaston played a crucial role in Australia's victory. Smith's ability to absorb pressure and perform under challenging circumstances is what makes him a standout player. Coming back from suspension, Smith hit the ground running, pulling the Aussies through a long series to retain the Ashes, keeping them on home soil. 

Kane Williamson's leadership skills and his ability to perform in pressure situations have been instrumental in New Zealand's success. His match-winning century in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against India showcased his ability to handle pressure and guide his team to victory. Time and time again Kane has performed when the rest of the batting order hasn't, bringing victory to his proud nation. 

Virat Kohli's numerous match-winning innings have earned him a reputation as a chase master. His unbeaten 183 runs against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup and his unbeaten 82 against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup are just a few examples of his ability to single-handedly win matches for India.

Joe Root has also played crucial innings in high-pressure situations. His 190 against South Africa in the 2017 Lord's Test and his unbeaten 83* runs against South Africa in the 2016 T20 World Cup are testament to his ability to perform when the stakes are high.

Assessing Captaincy Success

In addition to their individual performances, it is important to assess the captaincy success of these cricketers to determine who truly deserves the title of the king of cricket. Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root have all captained their respective national teams and have had varying degrees of success.

Steve Smith's captaincy stint for Australia was marred by the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018. However, prior to that incident, Smith had led Australia to numerous victories and had a commendable win percentage as captain. Since, he has served as a phenomenal sounding board for Pat Cummins as a great strategist. 

Kane Williamson's captaincy has been highly praised, especially for his calm and composed leadership style. Under his captaincy, New Zealand reached the final of the 2019 World Cup and has consistently performed well in Test matches. Taking out the inaugural World test Championship out against India, Williamson was at the helm. 

Virat Kohli's captaincy has seen India achieve significant success across all formats of the game. Under his leadership, India became the number one Test team and has won several bilateral series and tournaments.

Joe Root's captaincy tenure for England has had its ups and downs. While England has had some notable victories under his captaincy, there have also been instances of inconsistent performances.

It is important to consider both the on-field performances and the captaincy success when determining the king of cricket.

National Success Since Debut

Another factor to consider in determining the king of cricket is the success of their respective nations since these cricketers made their debuts. Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root have all played a significant role in their team's success.

Since Steve Smith made his debut in 2010, Australia has achieved notable success in Test cricket, winning the Ashes series and reaching the top of the Test rankings. Smith's consistent performances have been a key factor in Australia's success.

Kane Williamson made his debut in 2010 and has been a pivotal player for New Zealand. Under his leadership, New Zealand has reached the final of the World Cup and has consistently performed well in Test matches.

Virat Kohli made his debut in 2008 and has been a driving force behind India's success in cricket. India has achieved significant success in Test matches and ODIs, winning bilateral series and tournaments under Kohli's captaincy.

Joe Root made his debut in 2012 and has been a key player for England. During his career, England has won the Ashes series and has had success in the Test arena. He begun to drive a very successful period of cricket for England, having lead from the front with exceptional grit.  

The success of these nations since the debuts of these cricketers highlights their impact and contribution to their respective teams.

Final Verdict: The King of Cricket

After considering the number of centuries, big game moments, captaincy success, and national success since debut, it is a tough task to declare a single player as the king of cricket. Each of these cricketers, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root, has their own unique strengths and contributions to the game.

Steve Smith's batting prowess and his ability to score big runs consistently make him a standout player. Kane Williamson's elegant batting style and his ability to perform under pressure have earned him accolades. Virat Kohli's hunger for runs and his leadership skills have made him one of the best players in the world. Joe Root's solid technique and his knack for converting starts into big scores have made him a vital asset for England.

In the end, the title of the king of cricket may vary depending on personal preferences and opinions. Each of these players has left a lasting impact on the game and will be remembered as legends of cricket.