Rohit Sharma vs Gautam Gambhir - comparing the batting stats of the two after 58 Tests

Recently, both India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir have come under heavy scrutiny. The criticism began after India suffered a clean sweep in a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home, marking the first time in 12 years that India lost a Test series on home soil.

Things took a further turn for the worse when India failed to win the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. India lost the five-match series 3-1, with Rohit struggling with the bat.

Additionally, reports of a rift within the dressing room did little to help Gambhir's reputation as a coach. The series defeat also meant India missed out on qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time.

There have also been calls for Rohit's retirement, as he managed only 31 runs in five innings in Australia, along with criticism of coach Gambhir for the team's poor results during his tenure.

While both Rohit and Gambhir have been in the spotlight for their respective roles, we take a closer look at their batting statistics after 58 Tests.

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Comparing the batting stats of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir after 58 Tests

#1 Most runs after 58 Tests

Delhi-born cricketer Gautam Gambhir played 58 Tests for India, accumulating 4,154 runs in 104 innings at an average of 41.95, with 22 half-centuries and nine centuries.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma, who is still active, managed 4,034 runs in 100 innings after 58 Tests, at an average of 44.82, with 17 half-centuries and 11 centuries.

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#2 Home/Away record

Gautam Gambhir played 34 home Tests, accumulating 2,322 runs at an average of 40.74, including 12 half-centuries and five centuries. In comparison, of Rohit Sharma's first 58 Tests, 28 were played at home, where he scored 2,299 runs, with nine centuries and seven half-centuries, at an impressive average of 60.5.

Meanwhile, Gambhir scored 1,832 runs at an average of 43.62 in 24 away Tests, with 10 half-centuries and four centuries. In comparison, by the time he reached his 58th Test, Rohit had played 30 away Tests, amassing 1,735 runs at an average of 33.44, including 10 half-centuries and two centuries.

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#3 As an opener

Gautam Gambhir opened the batting in 101 innings in Tests, scoring 4,119 runs at an average of 42.91, with 22 half-centuries and nine centuries. In contrast, by the time he reached his 58th Test, Rohit Sharma had opened in 53 innings, amassing 2,449 runs at an average of 48.98, with seven half-centuries and eight centuries.

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#4 Most runs in a calendar year

Current India head coach Gautam Gambhir had his best year with the bat in Tests in 2008 when he scored 1,134 runs in eight matches at an average of 70.88, including six half-centuries and three centuries.

In contrast, Rohit Sharma scored 906 runs in 11 matches in 2021 at an average of 47.68, with four half-centuries and two centuries, marking his highest run tally in a calendar year.

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#5 Highest score

Gautam Gambhir's highest score in Test cricket came during a match against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in 2008. The southpaw scored an impressive 206 runs off 380 balls, including 26 boundaries and one six.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma's highest score in Tests came in his 30th match, against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. The Mumbai cricketer made 212 runs off 255 balls, with 28 fours and six sixes.

In conclusion, Gautam Gambhir’s career is marked by his consistency and reliable performances, with significant accomplishments both at home and abroad.

Meanwhile, despite recent criticism regarding his form, Rohit Sharma has built an impressive record through his first 58 Tests, showcasing a decent batting average and several memorable centuries.