India World Cup Winner Reveals Key Difference Between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Captaincy

India’s former player and World Cup winner, Robin Uthappa, has highlighted the contrasting leadership styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Uthappa, who played alongside both captains, claimed that Kohli’s leadership approach was “exclusive”, emphasizing that players needed to meet his high standards, particularly in fitness, habits, and approach to the game.

In contrast, Uthappa described Rohit’s leadership as “inclusive”, focusing on meeting players where they are and helping them elevate their performance. Uthappa acknowledged that both styles have yielded successful results but emphasized that the impact on the team would differ, with Kohli’s style potentially leaving players feeling let down, while Rohit’s approach fosters a more supportive environment. He said:

The style of leadership was not inclusive. Virat’s style of leadership was very exclusive. Aap meri tareh bano, toh aap fit ho jaoge. Rohit’s style of leadership is very inclusive. Aap jaha par bhi ho, waha par raho; hum baat karke apki game ko uthayenge. I haven’t played under Virat as a captain very much. But Virat, as a captain, he was very “my way or the highway” kind of a captain. It’s not like these guys aren’t also like that, but how you treat your team, how you treat your personnel, because it is not just about results. Virat’s style of captaincy was different to the extent that you needed to reach his level. Whether it was fitness, whether it was eating habits, whether it was listening, or agreeing, all of that had to happen at that standard.

Kohli led India across all formats until 2021, achieving significant milestones such as the Champions Trophy 2017 final and the 2019 World Cup semifinals. Rohit assumed captaincy in 2022, leading India to the 2024 ODI World Cup final and winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.