Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith: Who has the better record after 169 ODI Matches?

In the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, where India faces Australia in the semifinals, a key comparison is between two of the world’s best batsmen: Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith. Both of these players have not only been pivotal to their respective teams but also set multiple records, proving themselves as valuable assets in the cricketing world. 

Their rivalry has been closely followed by fans, especially with the two sides set to face each other in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025. As India and Australia prepare for this clash, it’s the perfect time to compare the performances of these two legendary cricketers after playing 169 ODI matches each.

Both players have been instrumental in their team’s success in the limited-overs format, with Virat Kohli being known for his aggressive batting style, sharp technique, and consistency, while Steve Smith is celebrated for his unconventional yet highly effective batting technique, his resilience, and his knack for playing crucial knocks.

Statistical comparison between Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith, considering key parameters such as innings played, runs scored, batting average, highest score, and centuries/half-centuries after 169 ODI matches. These numbers not only tell us about their consistency and dominance but also give us an insight into their impact in the world of ODIs.

1. Innings Played: A Key Factor in Batting Consistency

When comparing Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith, it is essential to understand how often they have contributed to their teams. The number of innings played is an indicator of their involvement and consistent presence in the batting lineup.

• Virat Kohli: After 169 ODI matches, Kohli has played 161 innings, demonstrating his ability to stay at the crease for a majority of the games. His consistency in batting order has been one of the main reasons behind his prolific career.
• Steve Smith: On the other hand, Smith has played 153 innings in the same number of ODI matches, meaning he has spent fewer innings at the crease. Despite the fewer innings, Smith has still managed to perform at an impressive level.

The difference in innings could be attributed to the number of times Smith has been dismissed earlier or when he’s played at positions where he didn’t get the chance to face many deliveries. Kohli, being a regular fixture in India’s top order, often gets to bat for longer periods, especially when chasing or setting large totals. This is one area where Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith can be further analyzed for consistency.

2. Runs Scored: A Telltale Sign of Batting Success

The next important metric in this Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith comparison is the runs scored, which reflects how often a player has been able to contribute significantly to his team’s total.

• Virat Kohli: After completing 169 matches, Kohli has amassed a total of 7098 runs, which is a remarkable achievement. His consistency in the format is unmatched, and his ability to convert good starts into big scores has made him one of the most successful batsmen in ODI history.
• Steve Smith: On the other hand, Smith has scored 5727 runs after 169 ODIs. While this is an impressive tally, it is considerably less than Kohli’s total. This gap in runs can be attributed to Kohli’s more consistent run-scoring in both chases and setting totals, along with a higher number of innings and more centuries.

Kohli’s ability to score runs across various conditions and against tough opposition makes him one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket. His hunger for runs and his ability to adapt to different match situations have placed him ahead in this Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith comparison.

3. Batting Average: Reflecting Consistency and Efficiency

When evaluating two players like Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith, batting average is one of the most crucial statistics. It measures how often a player gets out and how efficiently they score.

• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s batting average after 169 matches stands at a stellar 51.43, which is extraordinary by modern-day cricket standards. His consistency across different conditions and formats has been a key factor in his success. An average of over 50 indicates that he’s been able to convert his starts into big scores consistently.
• Steve Smith: In contrast, Smith‘s batting average after 169 matches is 43.06, which is respectable but not as high as Kohli’s. While Smith’s average is certainly impressive, it reflects a slightly higher tendency to get dismissed earlier than Kohli, although his ability to deliver when his team needs him is evident in his key match-winning innings.

Kohli’s superior batting average is a testament to his ability to play longer innings and his consistency in scoring heavily across the years. His average places him among the best in the history of ODI cricket, consistently delivering in crucial matches. 

The ongoing debate of Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith has sparked intense discussions, with both players proving themselves as modern-day cricketing legends.

4. Highest Score: A Measure of Big-Game Impact

While batting consistency is key, a player’s highest score is an indication of their ability to perform in big-game situations and set match-winning totals.

• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s highest score in ODIs after 169 matches is an impressive 183 runs, showcasing his ability to play large, match-defining innings. This score came against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, a game in which Kohli’s knock helped India set a formidable total.
• Steve Smith: Smith’s highest score after 169 matches is 164 runs, which also speaks volumes about his ability to anchor innings and play vital knocks when needed. However, Kohli’s highest score is higher, further cementing his ability to dominate ODIs.

Although both players have played many crucial innings, Kohli’s higher highest score further supports his status as one of the most dominant players in ODI cricket.

When it comes to consistency, Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith is a fascinating comparison, as both have dominated the ODI format in their own unique ways.

5. Centuries and Half-Centuries: The Real Barometer of a Batsman’s Consistency

Lastly, the centuries and half-centuries scored by both players provide a clear indication of their ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

• Virat Kohli: After 169 matches, Kohli has accumulated an astonishing 24 centuries and 36 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency in converting starts into match-winning knocks. Kohli’s ability to score centuries, especially under pressure, has been a hallmark of his career.
• Steve Smith: Smith, on the other hand, has scored 12 centuries and 34 half-centuries in the same number of matches. While Smith’s record is impressive, it lags behind Kohli’s in terms of century count, highlighting Kohli’s superior consistency in converting good innings into match-winning knocks.

Kohli’s higher number of centuries further elevates his standing as one of the most prolific ODI batsmen of all time. His ability to score centuries in varied conditions against all oppositions demonstrates his batting prowess.

The rivalry between Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith continues to grow, with each player contributing crucial performances for their respective teams in major tournaments.

Who Comes Out on Top?

When comparing Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith after 169 ODI matches, it is evident that Kohli holds a clear edge in several key areas:

• He has more runs, a higher batting average, a higher highest score, and a greater number of centuries and half-centuries.
• Kohli’s consistency in ODI cricket, combined with his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, makes him one of the greatest players in the format.

In terms of runs scored and centuries, Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith presents a compelling case of two players at the peak of their ODI careers.

While Steve Smith remains one of the most formidable ODI batsmen and has made invaluable contributions to Australia, Kohli’s superior stats across multiple key categories place him ahead.

As the two players get ready to face off in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025, this comparison only adds to the excitement surrounding the game. The battle between Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith will not only be a test of skill but also of who can perform under the immense pressure of a semifinal, with both players hoping to lead their teams to glory.