Jofra Archer and Virat Kohli aren't a straightforward head-to-head; one is a strike bowler, the other a run-scoring machine, and neither's career record measures the same thing. What they share is that both are the single biggest reason to captain or avoid a particular XI on a given day. Here's each player's own record, and what it means when the two end up on opposite sides.
Archer's bowling record
A sub-3 Test economy and a sub-24 ODI average with an economy of 5 are both genuinely elite numbers in the modern game, not just good ones. Archer takes wickets and controls the run rate in the same spell, which is the rarer skill of the two at international level.
Kohli's batting record
Kohli's Test career ended in January 2025 and his T20I career in June 2024, so an actual on-field Archer-vs-Kohli contest today only happens in ODIs, where both are still active and both records are near their best: Archer at economy 5.00, Kohli at average 59.28.
The fantasy cricket read
When these two are in the same match, the captaincy call comes down to conditions. Bowling-friendly and overcast, Archer's wicket-plus-economy combination is the higher-ceiling pick. Flat and batting-first, Kohli's volume is close to unbeatable. Neither cancels the other out; they're simply the two best reasons in the XI to build your team around a specific match condition rather than a name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jofra Archer's Test bowling average?
25.44, from 71 wickets in 20 Tests, with an economy of 2.99.
Is Virat Kohli still playing Test cricket?
No. Kohli's last recorded Test appearance was January 2025 and his last T20I was June 2024. He continues to play ODI cricket only.
What is a good fantasy strategy when Archer and Kohli are in the same match?
Read the pitch first. Seaming, overcast conditions favour Archer as the higher-ceiling captain pick; a flat batting surface favours Kohli. Both are strong vice-captain options regardless of conditions.
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