Root better to watch than Virat Kohli? Ex-England captain sparks social media war
IPL 2026: Michael Vaughan said Joe Root is better to watch than Virat Kohli after Sam Billings praised Kohli's latest RCB knock. The remark set off a social media debate as Kohli's franchise form and Root's red-ball class were weighed against each other.
Michael Vaughan chooses Root over Kohli (Photo Reuters)
Former England captain Michael Vaughan triggered a social media debate after claiming that English batter Joe Root is better to watch than Virat Kohli, in response to a post by Sam Billings.
Billings, who is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League, had posted on X asking, “Is there anything better than watching Virat Kohli in full flow?” The comment referred to Kohli’s performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) the previous night, where he helped his side chase down a massive 206-run target with balls to spare. Kohli did not remain unbeaten, getting bowled by Jason Holder after scoring 81 off 44 balls.
In response, Vaughan cheekily suggested that there is another batter more enjoyable to watch than Kohli, naming Joe Root. “Yes, Joe Root,” he wrote on X, accompanied by a winking face emoji.
The remark quickly sparked reactions online, with some users criticising Vaughan, while others agreed that Joe Root is more enjoyable to watch in red-ball cricket. One user even shared an image of Root watching Kohli, captioned: “Agreed! Watching Joe Root watch Virat Kohli in full flow.”
The debate comes at a time when Joe Root has further strengthened his reputation as one of the modern greats, particularly in Test cricket, while Kohli, retired from both T20Is and Tests, continues to showcase his class in franchise cricket.
THE CHASE MASTER AT IT AGAIN
On Friday against Gujarat Titans, while chasing a challenging 206, Kohli once again led from the front. It was a composed yet aggressive knock that reflected his evolving approach in the latter stages of his career.
Kohli was eventually dismissed after chopping the ball onto his stumps off Holder. By then, however, RCB were in control, needing just 52 runs from 38 balls with seven wickets in hand.
He currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18. The match was RCB’s final home game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with their remaining home fixtures scheduled in Raipur from May 10, starting with a clash against Mumbai Indians.
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