The debate of MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma has been ongoing for years. Dhoni, India’s most successful captain, and Rohit, one of the best batsmen of all time, have excelled in different formats. While Dhoni’s leadership is unmatched, Rohit’s aggressive batting makes him a standout.
Both players have made immense contributions to Indian cricket. The comparison of MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma highlights their unique strengths. But who is the better player? Let’s compare their stats across formats to find out.
MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket
In Test cricket, MS Dhoni’s career didn’t shine as brightly as in the shorter formats. Though Dhoni was a key middle-order batsman, his Test career spanned 90 matches, where he accumulated 4876 runs at an average of 38.09. With just six centuries, his performance in the longest format of the game was underwhelming, especially considering his stature in ODIs and T20s.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s Test career took time to establish, but he has grown into one of India’s finest Test openers. With 4137 runs from 59 matches at an average of 45.46, including 12 centuries, Rohit has proven himself to be a consistent performer. His highest score of 212, which came as an opener, further strengthens his case as one of India’s premier Test batsmen.
| Stat | Rohit Sharma | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 59 | 90 |
| Runs | 4137 | 4876 |
| Highest Score | 212 | 224 |
| Average | 45.46 | 38.09 |
| 100s / 50s | 12 / 17 | 6 / 33 |
| 6s / 4s | 84 / 452 | 78 / 544 |
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MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma in ODI Cricket
In ODIs, MS Dhoni made his name as a finisher, playing 350 matches and scoring 10773 runs at an average of 50.57. He has 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 183. Dhoni’s contributions were crucial to India’s 2007 ICC T20 World Cup victory and the 2011 ODI World Cup win, as well as the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma, though, has a better ODI batting record overall. With 10866 runs from 265 matches at an average of 49.16, Rohit has scored 31 centuries, including the highest-ever score in ODI cricket—264 runs. His ability to dominate the opposition, especially during the powerplays, makes him a standout player in the format.
| Stat | Rohit Sharma | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 265 | 350 |
| Runs | 10866 | 10773 |
| Highest Score | 264 | 183* |
| Average | 49.16 | 50.57 |
| 100s / 50s | 31 / 57 | 10 / 73 |
| 6s / 4s | 331 / 1012 | 229 / 826 |
MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma in T20I Cricket
In T20I cricket, Dhoni’s legacy is more about his leadership, having led India to their first T20 World Cup in 2007. He has 1617 runs in 98 matches with an average of 37.6. However, Dhoni’s batting position in the lower order often meant he had limited opportunities to score big runs.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, is one of the best T20 batsmen ever. With 4231 runs in 159 matches, he has 5 T20I centuries and an average of 32.05. Known for his explosive hitting, especially during the powerplay, Rohit’s ability to dominate in T20 cricket is unparalleled.
| Stat | Rohit Sharma | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 159 | 98 |
| Runs | 4231 | 1617 |
| Highest Score | 121* | 56 |
| Average | 32.05 | 37.6 |
| 100s / 50s | 5 / 32 | 0 / 2 |
| 6s / 4s | 383 / 205 | 52 / 116 |
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MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma in IPL
MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have been crucial to their teams’ IPL success. Dhoni has captained CSK since the beginning, while Rohit has led MI since 2013. Dhoni has scored 5243 runs in 264 matches at an average of 39.12, known for his finishing skills. On the other hand, Rohit has 6628 runs in 257 matches with an average of 29.72, excelling as an opener and captain. Both have led their teams to five IPL titles, making MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma a key comparison in IPL history.
| Stat | Rohit Sharma | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 257 | 264 |
| Runs | 6628 | 5243 |
| Highest Score | 109* | 84* |
| Average | 29.72 | 39.12 |
| 100s / 50s | 2 / 43 | 0 / 24 |
| 6s / 4s | 280 / 599 | 252 / 363 |
MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Captaincy Records
Both Dhoni and Rohit are legendary captains in the IPL. Dhoni’s 59% win rate from 210 matches is exceptional, while Rohit has a slightly lower win percentage (55.06%) from 158 matches. Dhoni’s leadership has been instrumental in CSK’s IPL successes, whereas Rohit’s leadership has brought Mumbai Indians five IPL titles.
In terms of international cricket, Dhoni is the more successful captain. His record in ODIs (55%) and T20Is (58%) is exceptional, with two ICC World Cup titles and one ICC Champions Trophy. Rohit, however, has a stellar win percentage in both formats, especially in T20Is (79.03%).
| Stat | Rohit Sharma | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Matches | 158 | 210 |
| Won | 87 | 123 |
| Lost | 67 | 86 |
| Win % | 55.06% | 59% |
Conclusion: Dhoni or Rohit?
The debate between MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma centers on their unique legacies. Dhoni’s leadership led India to countless victories and he’s regarded as the best finisher, while Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking batting makes him one of the greatest ever.
While Dhoni might be the better captain, Rohit edges him out as the superior batsman. Both have had significant roles in shaping India’s cricketing history, and their contributions will be remembered for years.
In the end, MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma is a debate that will continue, but their impact on the sport is undeniable.
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