Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma made his Test debut for the Indian cricket team on November 6, 2013, during a match against the West Indies in Kolkata. Initially known for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, Sharma's Test career took off when he was given the opportunity to open the batting for India. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the Test lineup, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the longest format of the game.

Kohli, on the other hand, made his Test debut earlier on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. From the outset of his Test career, Kohli displayed immense talent and potential, quickly establishing himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup.

As of September 2024, Rohit has scored a total of 4179 runs in Test Cricket at an average of 43.98 This includes 12 centuries and 17 fifties. Kohli, on the other hand, has amassed 8947 runs in Test cricket at an average of 48.89. Known for his consistency and hunger for runs, Kohli has notched up 29 centuries and 30 half centuries, and has often led from the front and steering India to memorable victories.

One important point of difference in the centuries scored by both the batsmen is that Rohit has scored only two centuries overseas, while Kohli has piled up 15 centuries outside India.

Kohli's highest score in Tests is 254* which came against South Africa in 2019. For Rohit, the highest score is 212, which also came against South Africa in 2019.

Rohit Sharma entered the scenes in ODI Cricket on June 23, 2007, marking his debut against Ireland in Belfast. Initially finding his footing in the middle order, Sharma eventually transitioned into a formidable opening batsman for the Indian team in ODIs. His flair, timing, and ability to accelerate innings have made him one of the most prolific run-scorers in the limited-overs format.

Kohli made his ODI debut earlier on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. His insatiable appetite for runs and ability to thrive under pressure have set him apart as one of the modern greats in ODI cricket.

In 265 ODI matches, Rohit has scored 10866 runs at an average of 49.17. This includes 31 centuries. Kohli, on the other hand, has played 295 ODIs, scoring 13906 runs at an average of 58.18. Kohli has scored a record-breaking 50 centuries in the format, the most by anyone batsman ever.

When it comes to double centuries, Rohit has achieved this feat three times, including his extraordinary 264 off 173 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. In contrast, Kohli's highest score in ODIs is 183.

Both players have delivered some of their finest performances against the most dominant team in ODI history. Both Rohit and Kohli have notched up eight centuries each against Australia.

Rohit made his T20I debut on September 19, 2007, during a match against England in Durban. Kohli's T20I journey began on June 12, 2010, against Zimbabwe in Harare.

As of March 2024, Rohit has accumulated a total of 3974 runs in 151 T20Is, at an average and strike rate of 31.79 and 139.97. Kohli, on the other hand, has a batting average and strike rate of 51.75 and 138.15 in 117 T20Is.

Rohit boasts a slightly higher strike rate, but Kohli's consistency is simply remarkable. Kohli was also the player of the tournament at the T20 World Cup in both 2014 and 2016.

But when talking about the centuries, Rohit has scored five centuries in the format, while Virat has just one.

In the IPL, Kohli is the highest run-scorer with 8004 runs, making him the only player to surpass the 7000-run milestone in the tournament's history. Meanwhile, Rohit isn't far behind with 6211 runs to his name. When it comes to the strike rate, both batsmen have the same striking rate of 130.

Kohli has scored eight centuries in the IPL, which is the most by any batsman. Rohit, meanwhile, has scored two centuries in the tournament.

However, in terms of IPL captaincy, Rohit has cemented his status as one of the most successful captains in the league, sharing the top spot with MS Dhoni. He has led the Mumbai Indians to five titles. In contrast, despite his many years as captain of RCB, Kohli was unable to lead his team to an IPL title.