Ian Bell rates Virat Kohli ahead of Root, Smith and Williamson

England batsman Ian Bell picked Virat Kohli as the best batsman amongst the current generation which includes Joe Root, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Kohli himself. All these players captain their respective sides in the longest format of the game.

Bell chose Virat Kohli as the best batsman cum- captain in the Tests in a freewheeling chat session on Reddit. “Kohli, without a shadow of doubt!” he replied to a question when asked who is the best among Smith, Root, Kane and Virat. Currently, the Indian captain ranks fifth in ICC Test rankings for batsmen and Smith tops the charts.

Williamson and Root have secured the second and third spots respectively. In the recent past though, Kohli has enjoyed a lot of success compared to his peers. He led India to a successful home Test season where his team won 10 out of the 13 Tests which also resulted in Team India retaining their numero uno status in Tests.

Joe can take England forward

One of the most prolific English batsmen Joe Root was handed over the reins of Test team after Alastair Cook stepped down from the position earlier this year post the series defeat against India. Bell feels it was the right decision when asked related to change in captaincy in England Test team.

“Cook is definitely a really good captain and his record proves that, having said that this is probably the right time for him to step down and Joe can take this young side forward, and I hope that Joe can carry the team forward as Kohli, Smith and Williamson have done and their batting’s flowed with it.” he said.

Root has been exceptional with the bat in Tests for England and it remains to be seen if he can handle the added responsibility, as well as his counterparts, are doing. Root’s first assignment as the leader of the pack would be the 4-Test series against South Africa which starts from next month. Though, many believe the stern test as a captain for the right-handed batsman would be the Ashes which commences from November this year down under.