Glenn Maxwell has spent a significant part of his career playing against some of the biggest names in international cricket. From facing world-class batters in the white-ball formats to sharing the dressing room with some of Australia’s finest players, the all-rounder has had a close look at what separates the very best from the rest.

Maxwell was recently asked to name the best players he has seen across the three major formats. Speaking on the Keepin’ It Cricket YouTube channel, he revealed his choices for ODI, Test and T20 cricket, while also discussing one international bowler whose unusual action has made him particularly difficult to read.

A standout choice for the ODI format

Maxwell picked Virat Kohli as his choice for the best ODI cricketer he has seen. The Australian was particularly impressed by the former India captain’s ability to control an innings and place the ball exactly where he wanted, while also recalling some of the remarkable knocks Kohli played against Australia.

“The best I ever saw in One-day cricket was Kohli. Some of the innings he has played against us have been ridiculous. He just has more time, and he’s able to put the ball where he wants in the field. Just a different level,” Maxwell said.

Kohli has been a regular presence in Australia’s path during his international career and has produced several memorable performances against them. His consistency, ability to chase down targets and control over the tempo of an innings have made him one of the most influential batters of the ODI era.

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Numbers that underline the choice

Kohli’s ODI record further highlights why Maxwell holds him in such high regard. He has scored 14,941 runs in 314 matches at an average of 58.59 and a strike rate of nearly 94. He has also hit 54 centuries in the format, placing him among the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history.

The former India captain is second on the all-time ODI run-scoring list behind Sachin Tendulkar. He has also enjoyed an exceptional record at the ODI World Cup, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of nearly 60 in 37 matches. His performances on the biggest stage have played a major role in shaping his reputation in the format.

Maxwell had different choices for the other formats. He named Andre Russell as the best T20 player, with the West Indies all-rounder having scored 9,919 runs at a strike rate of 166.70 in 607 T20 matches. Russell has also taken 535 wickets in the format. For Test cricket, Maxwell selected Steve Smith. The Australian batter has scored 10,920 runs in 125 Tests at an average of 56 and has registered 37 centuries.

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