In modern cricket, the spotlight often falls on four outstanding batters: Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, collectively known as the ‘Fab Four’. These players have achieved significant milestones, but debates persist about who is the best among them. Recently, Alyssa Healy, an 8-time World Cup winner, shared her perspective on this debate.
Healy, known for her exceptional career with the Australian women’s cricket team, placed Virat Kohli at the bottom of her ‘Fab Four’ rankings. In a candid discussion on the ‘LiSTNR Sport’ podcast, she explained that her ranking was based on an analytical approach, focusing on statistics rather than overall talent.
Despite acknowledging Kohli’s outstanding abilities and significant achievements, Healy pointed out that, based on statistical analysis, Kohli ranks fourth. She emphasized that her ranking was purely based on numbers and the volume of cricket Kohli plays, which affects his statistical standing.
Healy’s analysis included placing Joe Root in third place, Steve Smith in second, and Kane Williamson at the top of her list. She praised Williamson for his ability to single-handedly lead the New Zealand team, contrasting it with Kohli’s situation, where he has strong support from other players.
She highlighted that Kohli has often had key contributors like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and even Ravindra Jadeja, which she believes makes Kohli’s achievements somewhat reliant on his teammates. In contrast, Williamson’s performance is seen as crucial for New Zealand’s success.
Healy’s viewpoint sparked discussion, as it emphasizes the different criteria that can be used to evaluate players. While Kohli’s stats are impressive, Healy argues that Williamson’s individual impact and leadership put him at the top of the list.
The debate over the ‘Fab Four’ continues as fans and experts weigh in on who truly stands out in this elite group. Each player’s unique contributions and contexts offer varied perspectives on their rankings.
Ultimately, Healy’s ranking highlights the complexity of comparing players with such different roles and supporting conditions. It underscores the subjective nature of cricket rankings and the impact of team dynamics on individual performance.
As cricket enthusiasts debate the rankings, Healy’s insights provide a valuable analytical perspective on how these top batters are evaluated in the modern game.
Sekar Rao 
Nisham Ismail