Sir Donald Bradman is regarded as one of the finest batters to have played the game of cricket. Virat Kohli has also established himself as a legendary batter, consistently performing across formats. It is difficult to compare batters from two eras so vastly different from one another. However, used the help of stats and more to compare the two stalwarts.
Statistical Comparison:
Bradman made his international debut in November 1928. Test cricket was the only format back then. The Cootamundra-born played 52 Tests, scoring 6996 runs. His average was an awe-inspiring 99.94. He scored his runs at a strike rate of 71.41, which was almost unheard of back then. Bradman amassed 13 half-centuries and 29 centuries, showcasing his ability to convert starts into big scores.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli made his international debut in the ODI format in 2008 and went on to play the other two formats as well. He has played 123 Tests, 299 ODIs, and 125 T20Is so far. The Delhi batter has aggregated 9230, 14085, and 4188 runs, respectively. Kohli averaged over 50 in all three formats at a time. He announced his retirement from T20Is in 2024 with an average of 48.70. In the Test format, his average has dropped to 46.85. However, he continues to be a dominant force in ODI cricket, averaging a whopping 58.20.
Playing Conditions and Challenges:
The playing conditions were so very different in the two eras. During Bradman’s time, there were no helmets, the pitches were uncovered, and there were no T20 distractions. Meanwhile, in Kohli’s era, the quality of protective gear is excellent, and he pitches are made with modern technologies, but the batters have to focus on three different formats. The schedule is also very demanding on the players, with franchise leagues also playing a part. Video analysis is also a key aspect of modern-day cricket.
Bradman could bat for long periods. His consistency was surreal, and he liked to dominate bowlers. Bradman had an exaggerated follow-through, where his bat would be swung back over his shoulder and along his spine like a golfer or a baseballer. This technique allowed him to hit the ball with a lot of force compared to his contemporaries. However, if he played in Kohli’s era, the bats would have been much heavier, and the exaggerated follow-through could have done some damage to his upper body. The heavier bats, however, wouldn’t require him to put extra effort to hit powerful shots.
Kohli also bats with an aggressive mindset. He is at his best when he looks to score runs instead of trying to play conservatively. The right-handed batter has never had an issue with short-pitched bowling. This could have helped him do well even in Bradman’s era. Playing cut shots were not easy back in the day as the bounce was uneven on most surfaces. Kohli isn’t someone who plays too many cuts, and this could have helped him avoid dismissals in that era.
Mentality & Match Situations:
Bradman was difficult to dislodge when he got himself set at the crease. He also scored his runs at a quick rate and didn’t allow opposition bowlers to dictate terms. Meanwhile, Kohli made a name for himself by playing some stellar knocks under pressure in run-chases. In tense moments, Kohli’s ability to hold his nerves is commendable.
During their captaincy tenures, both cricketers liked to go for the jugular. Under Bradman’s captaincy, Australia played 24 Tests, winning 15 and drawing six. They just lost three matches under his reign. Meanwhile, Kohli led India in all three formats and inspired the Men in Blue to some significant results. In 50 T20Is under Kohli’s captaincy, India won 30 games and lost 16.
Kohli receives a lot of accolades for making India a force to reckon with in Test matches outside Asia. India won 40 Tests and lost 17 under Kohli’s captaincy, and 11 games ended in draws. Meanwhile, in the ODI format, the Men in Blue won 65 and lost 27 matches.
Who Would Be the GOAT?
Answering who is the GOAT would be unfair and inappropriate because of the difference in circumstances in the two eras. Most fans and experts agree that Bradman and Kohli are the GOATS of their particular generation and superstars of the sport. Some believe that Bradman shouldn’t be compared to anyone else because of his remarkable consistency. Others feel that Kohli’s prolific records across formats set him apart.
India
