Cricket’s wealthy historical past has been formed by extraordinary batters who mastered the artwork of scoring throughout circumstances, codecs, and eras. From the classical magnificence of Sunil Gavaskar and the fierce dominance of Sir Vivian Richards, to the unrivaled consistency of Ricky Ponting and the endurance of Rahul Dravid, every technology has produced a couple of who stood out throughout codecs.
The evolution of all-format giants: From icons to the Fab 4
Nevertheless, it wasn’t till the twenty first century that the idea of an ‘all-format nice’ actually took kind, as the sport diversified into Checks, ODIs, and T20Is. With the rise of limited-overs cricket and the arrival of franchise leagues, adapting throughout codecs turned a real check of temperament, method, and timing. Whereas a number of gamers discovered success in a single or two types, solely a uncommon few managed to excel in all three concurrently.
The likes of Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni emerged as torchbearers of this new-age cricketing excellence. However then got here a novel quartet, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Joe Root, who not solely thrived throughout codecs however sustained elite efficiency over greater than a decade. Dubbed the “Fab 4,” they redefined the requirements of contemporary batting, representing totally different kinds, circumstances, and challenges, but united by one trait: unmatched dominance in all codecs.
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Kane Williamson crowns the best all-format cricketer of this period
Throughout the third Check at Lord’s, Williamson didn’t maintain again whereas expressing admiration for Kohli. Calling him the “best all-format participant” of the final 15 years, Williamson praised Kohli’s potential to carry out below the load of expectations in a cricket-obsessed nation.
Williamson famous that Kohli not solely led India by historic Check triumphs, together with a collection win in Australia, but in addition remained dominant in ODIs and T20Is all through his profession. Williamson emphasised their long-standing bond, highlighting how each have grown collectively on and off the sector, together with current moments spent along with their children in London.
Regardless of fierce on-field battles, Williamson clarified there was by no means actual private rivalry, solely mutual pursuit of excellence. He appreciated how Kohli tailored to altering codecs whereas inspiring a technology by his self-discipline, depth, and management. It was a heartfelt tribute from one trendy nice to a different, a mirrored image of deep respect cultivated by years of shared cricketing journeys.
“After which clearly Virat, know, in all probability the best all-format participant that we’ve seen for in all probability within the final 15 years, you realize, and has his personal challenges, proper? And an absolute cricket-obsessed nation, and he’s been on the high of that three and made the sport. have a look at, there’s nice type of relationships and friendships with all of them in barely alternative ways. and keep in contact in quite a lot of methods as effectively. However yeah, probably not that type of aggressive factor. You’re simply in a staff that you simply’re eager to compete as a staff and do all these kinds of issues” Williamson stated.
“Most likely the best all-format participant we have seen for the final 15 years” 🙌
Kane Williamson 🤝 Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/9CyX5InmVt
— Sky Sports activities Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025
Additionally READ: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root or Kane Williamson? Ricky Ponting picks best player of the current generation
