Few rivalries in modern cricket generate as much excitement as the one between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. The two batting maestros have dominated international cricket for over a decade, setting records, delivering match-winning performances, and battling for supremacy in all formats. As India and Australia prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fans are eager to witness yet another chapter in this storied contest.
The Last White-Ball International Face-Off
The last time Virat Kohli and Steve Smith faced each other in a white-ball international for their respective nations was during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In a high-stakes final at Ahmedabad, Australia emerged victorious, with Travis Head playing a match-winning knock. While Smith played a supporting role in that campaign, Kohli was in sublime form, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer. Despite his best efforts, India fell short, and Australia claimed yet another ICC trophy.
Prior to that, the two had squared off in bilateral series as well, including a gripping ODI series in India in early 2023, where both batters made crucial contributions. However, with Kohli now in the twilight of his career and Smith adapting his game, this Champions Trophy encounter could be one of the last major white-ball battles between these two greats.
A Rivalry of Class and Consistency
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have been the backbone of their respective teams for years. Kohli, known for his aggressive stroke play, supreme fitness, and chasing prowess, has been India’s go-to batter in pressure situations. Smith, on the other hand, has a unique technique and an uncanny ability to score runs even in challenging conditions. While Kohli thrives on playing flamboyant drives and running hard between the wickets, Smith frustrates bowlers with his unorthodox yet effective batting style.
Both players have enjoyed immense success against each other’s teams. Kohli has delivered several masterclass innings against Australia, including his famous 82* in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup. Smith, meanwhile, has tormented India on numerous occasions, most notably his twin hundreds in the 2020 ODI series and a match-winning knock in the 2015 World Cup semi-final.