Is Rohit Sharma Way Behind Virat Kohli in All Three Formats of the Game?

The Indian cricket team is buzzing with energy as they prepare for the England Test tour, just days away. New captain Shubman Gill is putting the squad through rigorous practice for the gruelling five-match series. But fans are still reeling from the retirement of two legends — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who hung up their Test boots on May 12 and May 7, 2025, respectively. Their absence leaves a huge gap in the batting order, especially after their massive contributions in the last three World Test Championship cycles. Sanjay Manjrekar, a former cricketer, has stirred up a storm.

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Публикация от Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaysphotos)

In a recent Instagram video, he reacted to Gill’s comment about the pressure of filling the void left by these giants. Manjrekar pointed out that while Kohli and Rohit might go toe-to-toe in white-ball cricket, Kohli’s Test record stands head and shoulders above. This has sparked heated debates about whether the two can truly be compared across all formats. With so much debate surrounding their careers, it’s time to assess whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli truly belong in the same bracket by comparing their performances across all three formats.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Overall Career

Career wise, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been two of India’s greatest batting stalwarts across all three formats. Kohli, playing from 2008 to 2025, has featured in 550 matches and scored an outstanding 27,599 runs at an average of 52.27 and with 82 centuries and 143 fifties, his highest score is an unbeaten 254 and his strike rate of 79.18 shows a perfect balance between aggression and control.

Rohit Sharma, active since 2007, has played 499 matches, amassing 19,700 runs at an average of 42.18. He has 49 centuries and 108 half-centuries, with a highest score of 264 — the highest individual score by an Indian. His strike rate of 87.26 highlights his attacking style, especially in limited-overs cricket. Both players have been crucial for India, with Kohli known for consistency and Rohit for big scores and explosive hitting. Let’s now compare how they have performed in each format.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are giants of Indian Test cricket, but their records in the longest format reveal different strengths and Kohli’s consistency and ability to shine in tough conditions set him apart, while Rohit’s flair for big scores comes with less reliability, especially overseas.

Kohli, debuting in 2011, played 123 Tests by 2025, scoring 9,230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.85. With 30 centuries — including a stunning 254* against South Africa — and 31 fifties, he’s been a rock for India. Facing over 16,000 balls with a strike rate of 55.57, Kohli combines grit with steady scoring. As captain from 2014 to 2022, he led 68 Tests, scoring 5,864 runs at 54.80 with 20 centuries and Overseas, he was exceptional, making 4,774 runs in 66 Tests at 41.51, with 16 centuries, thriving in places like England and Australia. His ability to anchor innings under pressure made him indispensable.

Rohit, starting in 2013, played 67 Tests by 2024, scoring 4,301 runs at 40.57. His 12 centuries and 18 fifties show his knack for big knocks, but his away record — 1,644 runs in 31 Tests at 31.01 with just two centuries — lacks consistency and as captain from 2022 to 2024, he led 24 Tests, scoring 1,254 runs at 30.58 with four centuries. His stylish batting can dazzle, but he often struggled on foreign pitches. Kohli’s Test legacy is built on reliability and leadership, especially abroad, while Rohit shines through moments of brilliance but falls short in consistency outside India and both have been vital, but their approaches make them unique.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI Cricket

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ODI superstars for India, each with a unique style and Kohli’s rock-solid consistency makes him the team’s backbone, while Rohit’s explosive batting can turn games in a flash.

Kohli, starting in 2008, played 302 ODIs by 2025, piling up 14,181 runs at a stellar average of 57.88. His best score of 183, along with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, shows why he’s a chasing maestro. With a strike rate of 93.34 after facing over 15,000 balls, Kohli blends aggression with control. Away from home, he’s just as dependable, scoring 5,394 runs in 115 innings at 54.48, including 21 centuries. As captain from 2013 to 2021, he led 95 ODIs, scoring 5,449 runs at an incredible 72.65, with 21 centuries and a strike rate of 98.28. Kohli’s ability to anchor and lead made him a game-changer.

Rohit, debuting in 2007, played 273 ODIs, scoring 11,168 runs at 48.76. His strike rate of 92.80 is close to Kohli’s, but his 32 centuries, including a record-shattering 264, highlight his love for big scores. With 344 sixes to Kohli’s 152, Rohit’s power is unmatched. His away record, though, is less consistent — 3,703 runs in 109 innings at 39.81 with 10 centuries. As captain from 2017 to 2025, Rohit led 48 ODIs, scoring 2,506 runs at 52.20 with a blazing 111.97 strike rate, including five centuries and 17 fifties. His aggressive starts at the top often set the tone. Both players are ODI legends — Kohli with his relentless consistency and Rohit with his match-winning fireworks and their stats tell a story of two giants who’ve shaped India’s success, each in their own way.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in T20 Cricket

In T20 cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are India’s brightest stars, each dazzling in their own way. Kohli’s steady brilliance anchors innings, while Rohit’s explosive power can change games in a flash.

Kohli, starting in 2010, played 125 T20Is by 2025, scoring 4,188 runs in 117 innings, often staying not out (31 times). His average of 48.69 is top-notch, with a high of 122*. A strike rate of 137.04 shows he blends smart shot-making with quick runs. Facing 3,056 balls, he hit 369 fours and 124 sixes, finding gaps or clearing ropes with ease. With one century and 38 fifties, Kohli rarely fails, with just 7 ducks. Away from home, he scored 1,205 runs in 39 matches at 41.55, maintaining a 136.46 strike rate, proving his class on tough pitches.

THEY'VE DONE IT… VIRAT KOHLI AND ROHIT SHARMA ARE NOW A T20 WORLD CUP WINNING DUO. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/7P3pkG0GTk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2024

Rohit, debuting in 2007, played 159 T20Is, scoring 4,231 runs in 151 innings at 32.05. His strike rate of 140.89 reflects his aggressive style, with 383 fours and 205 sixes. His five centuries, including a best of 121*, and 32 fifties show his knack for massive scores. Away, he made 1,145 runs in 49 matches at 28.62, with a 135.18 strike rate. As captain since 2017, he led 62 games, scoring 1,905 runs at 34.01 with a blazing 149.76 strike rate, thriving under pressure.

Both are pillars of Indian cricket — Kohli with his rock-like consistency and Rohit with his game-changing firepower and instead of picking a winner, let’s celebrate how their unique styles have lit up Cricket and brought joy to fans worldwide.