Former English skipper Michael Vaughan, known for his provocative opinions that often spark debates on social media, has stirred the pot once again by comparing Virat Kohli and Joe Root. This comparison came after Root matched Alastair Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries during the Lord’s Test against Sri Lanka, reigniting the age-old debate between the two modern batting greats.

In response, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik weighed in on the discussion. While acknowledging that statistics may favor Root, Karthik expressed his personal preference for Kohli. He emphasized that his choice was influenced by witnessing Kohli’s game up close for over a decade.

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Dinesh Karthik even went as far as to say that if he had to choose someone to bat for his life, it would undoubtedly be Kohli. This statement seemed like a subtle jab at Vaughan, who has been a close associate of Karthik in the commentary box over the years.

“Numbers might suggest Joe Root, but my heart says Kohli,” Dinesh Karthik shared on Cricbuzz’s show HeyCB with DK. “I’ve seen Kohli thrive in big moments and series, and if you challenge him, he’ll respond so powerfully that you’ll wonder why you questioned him in the first place. If someone asked me who I’d trust to bat for my life, without a doubt, it would be Kohli.”

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Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is not participating in the ongoing Duleep Trophy, where several international players are showcasing their skills as per the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s directive. With India set to play 10 Tests over the next three months, Kohli’s role will be crucial in the upcoming matches, all of which contribute to the World Test Championship standings. His form and presence will be key to India’s success in this critical period.