Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma both showed early promise. Rohit won the 2007 T20 World Cup, while Kohli debuted in 2008 and quickly became a key player, leading India’s 2011 World Cup win. Rohit, known for his record-breaking ODI performances, took longer to establish himself in Tests. Both were crucial in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win.
Below is a comparison of Rohit vs Virat across all formats to see who has had a bigger impact on Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket
In Test cricket, Kohli’s achievements are unmatched. Although Rohit has performed well recently, Kohli’s overall Test career is far more impressive. He has played more than twice as many matches, scored 5,700 more runs, and hit 29 centuries with an average just below 50.
Test Stats Comparison
Stats
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Matches
113
59
Runs
8,848
4,137
Centuries
29
12
Fifties
30
17
Average
49.15
45.46
Highest Score
254* vs SA (2019)
212 vs SA (2019)
Rohit has scored 10 Test centuries, but only 2 of them were outside India. His career average of 45.57 is largely due to his outstanding home record, where he averages 66.73 in 24 Tests. Kohli, with 15 centuries abroad and 6 in Australia, averages 60.05 at home.
In ODIs, the comparison is closer. Rohit has crossed the 200-run mark three times, including an incredible 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. Kohli’s highest score is 183, but his average of 58.70 is nearly 10 runs higher than Rohit’s. Kohli also has a slightly better strike rate.
ODI Stats Comparison
Stats
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Matches
292
262
Runs
13,848
10,709
Centuries
50
31
Fifties
72
55
Average
58.67
49.12
Strike Rate
93.58
91.97
Highest Score
183 vs Pak (2012)
264 vs SL (2014)
Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma in T20Is
In T20Is, Rohit and Virat are among the best ever. Rohit has more international T20 centuries, but Kohli’s average is much higher. Kohli has also been remarkably consistent, winning the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup in both 2014 and 2016.
T20I Stats Comparison
Stats
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Matches
125
159
Runs
4,188
4,231
Centuries
1
5
Fifties
38
32
Average
48.69
32.05
Strike Rate
137.04
140.89
Highest Score
122* vs AFG (2022)
121* vs AFG (2024)
Even in T20Is, Kohli has a better average and more 50-plus scores, while Rohit has more centuries and a slightly better strike rate.
Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma in the IPL
In the IPL, Kohli holds the record for most runs in a single season (973 in 2016), but he has never won the title. Rohit, however, has led Mumbai to 5 titles since 2013.
IPL Stats Comparison
Stats
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Matches
252
257
Runs
8,004
6,628
Average
38.67
29.72
Strike Rate
131.97
131.14
Centuries
8
2
Fifties
55
43
Sixes
272
280
Fours
705
599
Highest Score
113* vs Rajasthan (2024)
109 vs Kolkata (2012)
Captaincy Comparison
It’s tough to say who the better captain is. Kohli has a better overall record, but Sharma has been more successful in recent years.
Captaincy Stats
Format
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Tests
68 matches, 40 wins, 17 losses, 11 draws
16 matches, 10 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws
ODIs
95 matches, 65 wins, 27 losses, 1 tie
45 matches, 34 wins, 10 losses
T20Is
50 matches, 30 wins, 16 losses, 4 ties
63 matches, 50 wins, 12 losses, 1 tie
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Virat has the edge in terms of centuries and batting averages across all formats. However, Rohit has been more successful in the IPL and has recently shown excellent form as a captain. Each fan will have their own opinion on who is the better player and captain.
