Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Who is a better player?

ODIs

Virat Kohli is already a legend when it comes to ODIs

Just like Tests, Rohit Sharma had a slightly better start when compared to Virat Kohli in ODIs. Rohit was drafted into the team as a 19-year-old for the tour of England in 2007. Though he got to play a combined total of only four matches in his first four series, his major break came in the 2008 CB series against Australia and Sri Lanka where he was given a longer run.

The day Rohit scored a match-winning 66 against Australia in Sydney, Kohli's India won the under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur and the Indian captain was called up to tour Sri Lanka later that year. Kohli was asked to open the innings in the series and had a decent outing before he was dropped to accommodate the regulars.

*Rohit made his debut against Ireland in 2007. But, he played just one match each in his first four series. That's why the 2008 CB series was considered as the benchmark for this table.

Though both of them had a similar average in their first series, Rohit's impact was more than that of Kohli and was he was touted as the future of Indian cricket. Then came the turning point in Kohli's career. After making a come back just before the 2009 Champions Trophy, Kohli sealed his place in the playing XI with some consistent performances.

Rohit, on the other hand, was dropped from the team owing to poor form and was in and out of the playing XI. Though he made a couple of centuries in 2010, he missed the bus for the 2011 World Cup while Kohli played an integral part in India's triumph in the tournament.

When Rohit Sharma's career looked in danger, he got a lifeline and this time, he grabbed the opportunity with both his hands. In 2013, he was asked to open the batting for the first time and since then, there was no turning back for the Mumbaikar.

He not only cemented his place in the team but also went on to become one of the best opening batsmen going around at the moment. He also became the first player to score two double hundred in ODIs and holds the highest individual score in the format.

Meanwhile, Kohli is still doing what he was doing in the pre-Rohit opening era, ie. scoring centuries for fun and winning matches for India.

In spite of rejuvenating himself at the top of the order, Rohit seems to be lagging behind his captain when it comes to this format. Virat Kohli, the master of run chases is batting like a man on a mission and if he continues the way he is batting, he can go on to become one of the greatest players to have played this format.

Without any disrespect to Rohit, who has redefined himself as a match-winner in ODIs after being made to open the innings, he is yet to reach Kohli's level in the 50-over format.

Verdict: Not only Rohit, none of the batsmen in the modern era come close to Virat Kohli in ODIs. He is by far the best player going around at the moment in this format.