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In the world of cricket, discussions around the Fab Four—Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root—continue to fuel debates among fans and experts alike. These four modern-day greats have defined the era with their consistent performances and staggering records across formats. Recently, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy weighed in on this conversation during an appearance on the ‘LiSTNR Sport’ podcast, offering her unique perspective on how these giants stack up.
Alyssa Healy ranks Virat Kohli’s among the Fab Four
When asked to rank the Fab Four, Healy provided a candid and thoughtful response. She acknowledged the greatness of all four players but placed Kohli in fourth place—at least from an analytical standpoint.
“They’re all very great. But if I’m purely basing it on numbers, I’m going to put Kohli as fourth,” Healy said, clarifying that her ranking was purely based on statistics.
Healy, however, was quick to emphasize that her ranking doesn’t diminish Kohli’s stature in the cricketing world. In fact, she holds Kohli in the highest regard when considering factors beyond just numbers.
“I actually rate him as No. 1 in everything else,” she added. Healy pointed out that Kohli’s achievements are even more remarkable given the immense pressure he faces and the sheer volume of cricket he plays across all formats.
For Healy, Kohli’s fourth-place ranking is a reflection of the statistical analysis rather than an evaluation of his overall impact on the game. She noted that the Indian batting maestro has been an exceptional performer for India, but the numbers alone do not tell the full story of his greatness.
The Kane Williamson factor
A significant part of Healy’s discussion centered around the comparison between Kohli and Kane Williamson. She pointed out that Williamson, who captains New Zealand, often carries the entire weight of his team’s fortunes on his shoulders.
“Williamson has carried the whole New Zealand team,” Healy remarked, underlining the fact that the Kiwi skipper is often the key to his team’s success.
In contrast, Healy observed that Kohli has consistently had strong support from his teammates, which has arguably taken some of the burden off his shoulders.
“For Virat, he is the greatest player in the world, let’s be real. But with him, it’s like someone else is always there,” Healy said, mentioning that players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja have often stepped up to contribute significant performances when needed.
Healy’s comments suggest that while Kohli may not always have to single-handedly carry his team to victory, Williamson’s performances are often the deciding factor for New Zealand’s success.
“If Williamson doesn’t make those runs, New Zealand don’t get anywhere near winning,” She added, emphasizing Williamson’s central role in his team’s fortunes.
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The Broader context: Kohli’s legacy
Healy’s ranking of Kohli within the Fab Four might spark debates among fans, but her comments highlight an essential aspect of Kohli’s legacy—the context in which he has achieved his success. Kohli has thrived in an era where cricket has become more demanding than ever, with grueling schedules and constant pressure from fans and media alike.
Despite this, Kohli has managed to consistently perform at the highest level, maintaining a remarkable level of fitness and intensity that has set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations and lead India to memorable victories, both as a captain and a player, has cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
A dynamic comparison
The comparison between Kohli, Williamson, Smith, and Root is always dynamic, as their performances continue to evolve. While Kohli may rank fourth in Healy’s analytical view, his contributions to Indian cricket and his global impact as a player cannot be understated. Each of the Fab Four brings something unique to the table—Smith’s unorthodox brilliance, Root’s classical elegance, Williamson’s calm precision, and Kohli’s fierce competitiveness.
Ultimately, rankings within the Fab Four are subjective, varying based on perspective and criteria. Healy’s take adds another layer to the ongoing conversation, reminding us that while numbers are important, they don’t always capture the full picture of a player’s greatness. Kohli’s legacy, like those of his fellow Fab Four members, will be defined not just by his stats but by the indelible mark he has left on the sport.
