Virat Kohli best ODI batsman in the World, says Steve Smith ahead of IPL 2020

Steve Smith has rated his great Indian rival, Virat Kohli, as the best ODI batsman in world cricket currently. The two batsmen, who will face off in the upcoming IPL and also during India’s tour of Australia later this year, have been fierce rivals on the field but share cordial relations off it.

Steve Smith:

Smith, who is currently in England for the three-match ODI series against the hosts starting from Friday, said this during an Instagram session with fans.

When a fan asked the 31-year-old Australian to name the best ODI batsman, Smith had no hesitation in taking Kohli’s name.

ALSO READ: Lt. Colonel MS Dhoni Expresses his Delight at Rafale jets induction into IAF

The Indian captain is currently the leading scorer in ODIs among active cricketers with 11867 runs at an average of 59.34. He has 43 hundreds to his name and is only seven away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s world record for most hundreds in ODIs.

AB de Villiers as a “freak”:

During the session, Smith described Kohli’s RCB teammate and South African great AB de Villiers as a “freak”.

ALSO READ: Ahead of IPL 2020, Shah Rukh Khan Gears up to Cheer For Kolkata Knight Riders

Rajasthan Royals:

Smith, who is set to represent Rajasthan Royalist in IPL 2020, said India’s KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are the two players to watch out for.

About his Rajasthan Royals teammate Jos Buttler, who has been in terrific form in the recently-concluded T20I series against Australia, Smith said, “Terrific player. Hopefully, no runs against us this week then he can score as many as he likes in the IPL.”

ALSO READ: Deepak Chahar Rejoins CSK Squad After Recovering from COVID-19, back to team hotel

Smith will join the Rajasthan Royals squad in UAE after the ODI series against England ends on September 16.

Stay tuned with the newstrack to get fastest updates.

Click @englishnewstrack to follow us on Facebook.

and @newstrackmedia to follow on Twitter.