As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals approach former New Zealand National Cricket Team player Simon Doull has sparked a debate by comparing South African National Cricket Team batter Heinrich Klaasen to Indian National Cricket Team superstar Virat Kohli in ODI cricket. According to Doull despite their contrasting styles, Klaasen is on par with Kohli when it comes to modern-day 50-over batting dominance.

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Simon Doull’s Take: Klaasen vs Kohli in ODIs

Speaking to Sky Sports Doull heaped praise on Klaasen’s batting prowess particularly his ability to tackle spin bowling.

"It's hard to separate him and Virat Kohli at the moment. Some people have Klaasen at 1, some people have Kohli at 1, it doesn't really matter. They can be first equal for mine, because he is just an absolute gem."

The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted Klaasen’s proficiency against spinners stating:

"Whether it be spin, I don't think anybody hits the spinners off the backfoot better. He waits for that sort of slow pace and he can hit downtown better than anyone in the world."

Klaasen's Impressive ODI Numbers

Klaasen has emerged as a key player for South Africa in the ODI format delivering match-winning performances in recent years.

ODI Matches Played: 59

Innings: 55

Runs: 2,138

Batting Average: 44.54

Strike Rate: 117.34

Centuries: 4

Half-Centuries: 11

His aggressive strike rate of 117.34 sets him apart from many contemporary batters, making him a dangerous opponent for any bowling attack.

Doull on South Africa vs New Zealand: A Bowling Battle Awaits

Apart from the Klaasen-Kohli comparison Doull also shared his thoughts on the upcoming semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand. He emphasized that the match will be decided by which team bowls better.

"South Africa are a cracking looking side; they bat deep. New Zealand also bat deep, and it’ll come down to who bowls better. South Africa just seem like they've got the wood as a genuine bowling attack."

However he pointed out New Zealand’s biggest concern about death bowling.

"The issue with New Zealand, the one and only issue, has been their death bowling. It was quite good against India, but on a flat surface, on a really good batting surface, will it be the same?" He added.