Aakash Chopra’s big statement on Ben Duckett-“When Rohit and Virat were there, this was not even in discussion”
Is Ben Duckett the Best All-Format Batsman? A Cricket Conundrum
The Rise of Ben Duckett-Former Indian cricketer and expert, Akash Chopra, has declared England opener Ben Duckett the current best all-format player. Duckett’s consistent performance across all three formats in recent years is undeniable. However, Chopra adds a compelling nuance: the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from all formats significantly elevates Duckett’s prominence. If these titans were still active, Duckett’s rise might not be as meteoric.
The Himalayan Comparison-Chopra uses a powerful metaphor, comparing Rohit and Kohli to the Himalayas. Their dominance in all formats dwarfed other players; Duckett was barely a blip on the radar. Now, with these legends having retired from some formats, Duckett stands head and shoulders above the rest, a testament to his skill and consistency.
A Shifting Landscape-Following their retirements from T20 cricket after the 2024 World Cup victory and earlier from Test cricket, Rohit and Kohli left a void in the world of all-format players. This scarcity has propelled Duckett into the spotlight, making him a focal point for discussion and analysis.
Match-Winning Performances-Duckett’s impressive scores of 62 and 149 in the first Test against India at Leeds cemented his reputation. His contributions were instrumental in England’s 5-wicket victory, further fueling the debate about his status as a top all-format player. Many former cricketers have echoed Chopra’s sentiments, praising Duckett’s adaptability and consistency.
Praise from the Legends-The accolades for Duckett extend beyond Chopra. Former England captain Michael Vaughan and other cricketing greats have also lauded Duckett’s talent, highlighting his adaptability and consistent performance as key factors in his success across all formats.
The Unfinished Story-However, Chopra tempers the enthusiasm, pointing out that Duckett’s journey is far from complete. His lack of extensive Test experience in Australia, limited appearances in South Africa (only three innings), and relatively little exposure in India mean that there are still significant tests ahead before his all-format dominance can be definitively declared.
A Diminishing Breed?-Chopra’s assessment also underscores a broader concern: the dwindling number of truly exceptional all-format players. The void left by Rohit and Kohli is significant, and while Duckett’s emergence is exciting, it also highlights the challenge of finding players capable of consistently performing across all formats of the game.
