Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has said that ace batter Virat Kohli’s ability to convert starts is a crucial factor in why he has always been a better ODI batter than Rohit Sharma, lauding Kohli’s consistency
in the 50-over format.
Kaif has provided a sharp, experience-backed insight into why Kohli has stayed ahead of Rohit in ODIs, highlighting Kohli’s mindset and his knack for converting good starts into match-winning knocks.
Kaif’s remarks came ahead of Wednesday’s second ODI between India and New Zealand, after Kohli’s match-winning performance in India’s four-wicket victory in the series opener.
“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 while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“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 said.
Kohli’s stellar form has helped India navigate rising injury worries among key cricketers. The team will be hoping the injury list does not grow as they aim to seal the ODI series against New Zealand in Wednesday’s second game in Rajkot.
Kohli and Rohit are enjoying themselves in what is the final leg of a glittering international run.
Kohli missed his 54th ODI hundred in the first ODI, but his stroke-filled 91-ball 93 set up India’s victory, even though a mini collapse created a few nervous moments.
For someone who has been batting in the nets with the same intensity as in the match, Kohli is riding high on confidence and performing at a different level.
Kohli’s batting has added new dimensions, as he has attacked from the first delivery while leaving no scoring chance unused.
