Kohli the world's best batsman: Lee

Former Australian pace ace Brett Lee has declared Virat Kohli the best batsman on the planet.

Lee, who played his last competitive cricket in January 2015, believes India's Test captain, and the man many see as the game's pre-eminent white-ball batsman, has improved his technique in recent years, making him less vulnerable outside off stump.

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"He is the world's best batsman currently," Lee told the Times of India. "His technique is incredible.

"If you look back a couple of years, you would say that a fourth or fifth stump ball might get him fishing and that's how you get him out.

"But now, he's checked that and that ball no longer gets him out.

"He's tightened his technique, his stance is upright and he's playing with total freedom."

That freedom has resulted in a mountain of runs for the 27-year-old, including a remarkable run of form in the T20 game with Player of the Tournament awards in this year's ICC World T20 with India as well as in the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In the Test arena, Kohli plundered his first double century in the recent series against West Indies, while he continued to set the pace among ODI batsmen, this year becoming the fastest man in history to reach 7,000 runs in the 50-over game.

Lee was famed for his aggressive approach as a fast bowler and occasionally criticised for it, too, and it's that same trait the ex-quick admires in Kohli.

"I love the way he plays and his aggression," said the 39-year-old, who finished his international career with 718 wickets to his name.

"His aggression is in your face but it's not over the top.

"Rather, it's controlled. He's very passionate and always puts his team first."

Kohli also received a glowing endorsement from Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis, who selected him at No.3 in his 'Modern-day ODI XII'.