Kohli, Root, Williamson, Smith. Who is the best batsman in the world?

As cricket has evolved over the years, new formats have been added. And today, there are three formats which are all of equal importance.

Tests have the history and the prestige of being the hardest format. ODI cricket has the World Cup, which is where we find out the best team. T20 cricket provides the thrills and entertainment. It is fast paced, showcases new skills, and helps increase the standard of the other two formats.

In this article, I will work out the averages and strike rates of the top four batsmen right now - Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson - across all formats. Also, working out their average games played per hundred scored (per fifty in T20 case) will help give us a reflection of who is the current best batsman in world cricket.

4: Steve Smith (Australia)

Since remodeling himself to become a specialist batsman about five years ago, Smith has been one of the world’s best cricketers without a doubt. He is dynamic, scores all around the ground and can score in conditions all around the world.

Smith has a combined batting average of 41.58 across all formats of the game. He scores his international runs at a strike rate of 88.09 runs scored per 100 balls faced. Smith also has a very impressive average of 6.12 international matches played per hundred scored.

It was hard putting Smith at last place on this list; the main reason came down to his white ball records. Despite having the best Test stats, his ODI and Twenty20 records were a lot weaker.

3: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

The 3rd best in the list, Kane Williamson, has still not reached the heights that he is capable of. Williamson has a fantastic technique and temperament and has managed to take his low risk, orthodox style of play into limited overs arenas with much success.

Williamson has an overall average of 42.83. He scores his international runs at a strike rate of 84.45 runs scored per 100 balls faced. He has scored a hundred every 6.56 games played so far in his international career.

Despite having similar stats to Smith, it is Williamson’s ability to produce results across all formats that puts him ahead.

2: Joe Root (England)

Root has comfortably cemented himself amongst the current best batsman in world cricket. Root is like Williamson in how he scores his runs - he is very orthodox, and relies on timing and placement to score his runs.

He has an overall batting average of 45.95 runs scored per innings across all formats of the game. His runs come at a very respectable strike rate of 90.21 runs scored per 100 balls faced. On average, Root scores an international hundred every 7.5 innings that he bats.

Root is exceptional across all formats. His record in the sub-continent is exceptional too, which is all the more remarkable considering he grew up on fast-paced, swinging wickets.

1: Virat Kohli (India)

King Kohli. When you look at the stats, there is no denying that he is the best in the business.

Kohli has a remarkable average of 53.46 across every international innings since his debut. His runs have also come at a very impressive strike rate of 95.54 runs scored per 100 balls faced. He averages a hundred every 4.5 innings.

This record is simply sensational. People often criticize his Test match ability, but he averages 53.40 in the longest format.

Kohli has the ability to chase scores in limited overs with unbelievable composure, and this contributes to him taking the title of the best batsman in world cricket currently.