Fab 4 Cricket elite Smith, Kohli, Root, Williamson shine

Fab 4 Cricket Cricket has witnessed numerous legendary players who have graced the sport with their impeccable skills and memorable performances. Among them, four modern-day batting stalwarts stand out and have been collectively termed the Fab 4 cricket. This elite group consists of Virat Kohli (India), Steve Smith (Australia), Joe Root (England), and Kane Williamson (New Zealand). These players have set new benchmarks in contemporary cricket, dominating across all formats and demonstrating remarkable consistency, technique, and leadership.

The Fab 4 emerged during the early 2010s and have since been instrumental in shaping the modern era of batting. Their performances across formats, adaptability to different conditions, and match-winning abilities make them special. This article delves into their individual journeys, strengths, and their impact on world cricket.

Fab 4 Cricket Virat Kohli: The Aggressive Maestro

Virat Kohli burst onto the international scene in 2008 after leading India to victory in the U-19 World Cup. His aggressive batting, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, soon established him as a key figure in Indian cricket. By the early 2010s, he had cemented his place in all three formats.

Strengths and Playing Style

Kohli’s game is built on exceptional fitness, impeccable shot selection, and an aggressive mindset. He is known for his ability to chase down big targets with his masterful run-chases, often finishing games for India. His cover drive is one of the most elegant shots in cricket, and his ability to rotate strike keeps pressure on the opposition.

Achievements

• ODI Runs: Over 13,000 runs with an average above 57
• Test Runs: Over 8,500 runs with an average close to 50
• T20I Success: One of the highest run-scorers in T20 internationals
• Captaincy: Led India to a historic Test series win in Australia (2018-19)
• ICC Awards: Multiple ICC Player of the Year awards

Legacy

Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket extends beyond his numbers. He revolutionized fitness standards in Indian cricket and inspired a generation with his aggressive captaincy. Even after stepping down from captaincy, his hunger for runs and passion for the game remain unmatched.

Fab 4 Cricket Steve Smith: The Unorthodox Genius

Steve Smith started his international career as a leg-spinner in 2010 but soon transitioned into a specialist batsman. His rise post-2013 was meteoric, with back-to-back Ashes series defining his dominance.

Unique Technique and Strengths

Fab 4 Cricket Smith’s unorthodox batting style, which involves exaggerated movements and unusual shot selection, makes him one of the hardest batsmen to dismiss. He has an exceptional ability to bat for long hours and accumulate runs, particularly in Test cricket. His hand-eye coordination and ability to adapt make him a nightmare for bowlers.

Achievements

• Test Runs: Over 9,000 runs with an average above 58
• ODI and T20I Success: Integral part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams
• Ashes Heroics: Player of the Series multiple times against England
• ICC Rankings: Has held the No.1 Test batsman ranking multiple times

Impact and Legacy

Fab 4 Cricket Smith’s remarkable comeback after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal proved his mental resilience. His performances in the Ashes and other key series have solidified his place as one of Australia’s greatest batters.

Fab 4 Cricket Joe Root: The English Run Machine

Joe Root made his Test debut in 2012 and soon became England’s most dependable batsman. His technique and temperament allowed him to anchor the innings and build big scores.

Strengths and Playing Style

Root’s batting is based on classical technique, excellent footwork, and an ability to play both pace and spin equally well. He is known for his ability to rotate strike, play long innings, and guide England in difficult situations.

Achievements

• Test Runs: Over 11,000 runs with an average around 50
• ODI Success: Played a key role in England’s 2019 World Cup victory
• Captaincy: Led England through crucial series, including Ashes battles
• Consistency: Has scored multiple double centuries in Test cricket

Legacy

Root’s ability to adapt and play under pressure has made him England’s backbone in batting. While he stepped down from captaincy in 2022, his hunger for runs continues to grow, making him one of England’s finest Test batsmen.

Fab 4 Cricket Kane Williamson: The Calm and Composed Leader

Kane Williamson debuted for New Zealand in 2010 and quickly established himself as one of the best batsmen in world cricket. His calm demeanor and ability to anchor innings make him a class apart.

Strengths and Playing Style

Fab 4 Cricket Williamson is known for his elegant stroke play, ability to read the game, and adaptability across conditions. His backfoot play is particularly strong, making him effective in all conditions. His leadership skills and sportsmanship set him apart.

Achievements

• Test Runs: Over 8,000 runs with an average above 50
• ODI and T20 Success: Led New Zealand to the 2019 World Cup final
• World Test Championship (WTC): Led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural WTC (2021)
• Consistency: Regularly ranks among the top batsmen in the world

Legacy

Fab 4 Cricket Williamson’s humility and sportsmanship have earned him immense respect. He is one of New Zealand’s greatest captains and has played a vital role in elevating the team to new heights.

Fab Four Stats Comparison

ODIs

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries
Virat Kohli	275+	13,000+	57+	47+
Steve Smith	150+	5,000+	43+	12+
Joe Root	160+	6,500+	50+	16+
Kane Williamson	160+	6,500+	47+	13+

Test Cricket

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries
Virat Kohli	110+	8,500+	49+	28+
Steve Smith	100+	9,000+	58+	32+
Joe Root	130+	11,000+	50+	30+
Kane Williamson	90+	8,000+	54+	27+

T20I

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Virat Kohli	115+	4,000+	52+	138+
Steve Smith	60+	1,000+	27+	125+
Joe Root	30+	900+	35+	126+
Kane Williamson	85+	2,500+	33+	123+

IPL

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Centuries
Virat Kohli	230+	7,000+	37+	130+	5
Steve Smith	100+	2,500+	34+	129+	1
Joe Root	5+	100+	25+	120+	0
Kane Williamson	80+	2,100+	36+	126+	0

Kohli’s dominance across all formats is evident, making him a standout figure among the modern cricketing greats.

Impact on Modern Cricket

Fab 4 Cricket The Fab 4 have redefined modern-day batting with their consistency, adaptability, and leadership. They have played significant roles in ICC tournaments, Ashes series, World Test Championship matches, and bilateral series. Their presence has enhanced the competitiveness of Test cricket and provided fans with memorable moments.

Conclusion

The Fab 4 cricket is one of the most cherished phases in cricket history. Each of these players brings a unique style to the game, yet they share common qualities of resilience, consistency, and hunger for runs. While their careers are at different stages, their impact on cricket remains undeniable. As cricket evolves, the legacy of Kohli, Smith, Root, and Williamson will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that their names are etched in cricketing folklore forever.

Read more: Top 10 Cricket Legends Who Revolutionized the Game Forever

Want more cricket updates Stay tuned