Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: As India are currently competing in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif has weighed in on one of Indian cricket's most discussed debates - who is the superior ODI batter: Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma? According to Kaif, the answer lies in Kohli's unmatched consistency and rare ability to turn starts into match-defining innings.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, praised Kohli's approach to ODI batting, calling it the decisive factor that keeps him ahead of Rohit in the 50-over format. "Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match and if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always
been ahead of Rohit Sharma," Kaif said.
The former India batter further highlighted Kohli's hunger for runs, explaining that even when Kohli misses out, it bothers him deeply. "Kohli consistently scores runs and plays big innings. You can see it when Virat Kohli got out in the first ODI; he was shaking his head, thinking he played a wrong shot," Kaif added.
Kohli's recent form reflects exactly what Kaif described. In the series opener in Hyderabad, the 35-year-old missed his 54th ODI century by just seven runs, but his classy 91-ball 93 proved crucial in India's four-wicket win. His intent was evident from the very first ball, as he struck with freedom and kept the scoreboard moving throughout his stay.
This purple patch comes at a time when India is battling several injury concerns within the squad. Kohli's reliability has been vital in ensuring India stay competitive despite a stretched bench. With the series on the line in Rajkot, the team will once again look towards their talismanic batter to deliver.
Meanwhile, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma are believed to be enjoying what could be the closing chapters of their international journeys. Yet, performances like Kohli's in the first ODI continue to demonstrate why he remains one of the most complete batters the format has ever seen - and why, in Kaif's view, he stays a step ahead in the ODI greatness conversation.
