Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (2025) – Stats, Records & Career Highlights
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide love debating one of the most intriguing questions: Who is the better Indian batsman – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Both legends have their own unique styles, records, and impact on Indian cricket. While statistics give us one part of the story, their match-winning moments and consistency make this rivalry fascinating.
In this article, we dive deep into Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, exploring their career journeys, records, achievements, and awards, giving cricket fans a comprehensive comparison of these modern greats.
The Cricketing Journeys of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had remarkable journeys to reach the top of international cricket. Their dedication, performances, and passion for the game have made them legends in their own right.
| Player | Age | ODI Debut | Test Debut | T20I Debut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 38 | 23 June 2007 vs Ireland | 6–8 November 2013 vs West Indies | 19 September 2007 vs England |
| Virat Kohli | 37 | 18 August 2008 vs Sri Lanka | 20–23 June 2011 vs West Indies | 12 June 2010 vs Zimbabwe |
Rohit Sharma: Hailing from Mumbai, Rohit showcased his talent early in domestic cricket. With stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments, he earned a place in the Indian national team. His graceful stroke play and ability to play long innings made him a natural choice as an opener in limited-overs cricket.
Virat Kohli: Growing up in Delhi, Virat trained rigorously at a local cricket academy. Excelling in age-group cricket and domestic tournaments, he climbed the ranks to represent India. Known for his fierce determination and aggressive batting, Kohli has redefined consistency in all formats of the game.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Statistical Comparison
Both players have dominated international cricket in their own ways. Let’s look at their statistics across formats.
ODI Records
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 277 | 269 | 11427 | 49.25 | 264 | 33 | 60 |
| Virat Kohli | 306 | 294 | 14390 | 58.02 | 183 | 52 | 75 |
Analysis: Rohit’s explosive starts and big scores contrast with Virat’s masterful consistency, especially while chasing targets. Both have been pivotal to India’s ODI success over the years.
Test Records
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 2013–2024 | 67 | 116 | 4,301 | 40.57 | 212 | 12 | 18 |
| Virat Kohli | 2011–2025 | 123 | 210 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 254* | 30 | 31 |
Analysis: Kohli’s consistency in Tests sets him apart, while Rohit’s elegant batting and big-match temperament have made him a reliable opener.
T20I Records
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 159 | 151 | 4,231 | 32.05 | 121* | 5 | 32 |
| Virat Kohli | 125 | 117 | 4,188 | 48.69 | 122* | 1 | 38 |
Analysis: Rohit’s aggressive starts and power-hitting in T20Is are complemented by Virat’s composed finishing, making both indispensable in the shortest format.
Achievements: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has redefined limited-overs cricket with his remarkable ability to play long innings and hit big scores. His achievements highlight his impact in both international and domestic cricket.
Key Achievements:
- Holds the world record for highest individual score in an ODI: 264 runs.
- Only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.
- First batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup edition (2019).
- Most sixes in international cricket: 634 as of March 2025.
- Led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, the most by any captain.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is celebrated for his consistency, aggressive batting, and chasing mastery. His achievements highlight dominance in all formats.
Key Achievements:
- Fastest Indian to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs.
- Highest ICC rating points for an Indian batter in Tests: 937.
- Scored six double centuries as captain in Test cricket.
- Surpassed 20,000 runs across all formats with an average over 50.
- Most successful Indian ODI captain with a win percentage of 68.42%.
Awards & Honours
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been recognized with India’s highest sporting awards.
| Player | Awards & Year |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | ICC ODI Team of the Year – 2014 Arjuna Award – 2015 ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year – 2019 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – 2020 |
| Virat Kohli | Arjuna Award – 2013 Padma Shri – 2017 ICC Cricketer of the Year – 2017 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – 2018 |
Titles Won
| Player | Tournament Won |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | ICC T20 World Cup – 2007, 2024 ICC Champions Trophy – 2013, 2025 Asia Cup – 2018, 2023 IPL – 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 |
| Virat Kohli | ICC T20 World Cup – 2024 ICC Champions Trophy – 2013, 2025 ICC ODI World Cup – 2011 Asia Cup – 2023 IPL – 2025 |
Analysis: Rohit’s multiple IPL titles showcase his leadership skills, while Virat’s World Cup and recent IPL success underline his match-winning abilities.
Who is the Best: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Choosing between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is nearly impossible. Rohit’s calm yet explosive batting complements Virat’s relentless aggression and consistency. Both legends have inspired millions, set records, and shaped modern Indian cricket.
Instead of picking one, it’s better to celebrate both their greatness and enjoy this golden era of Indian cricket.
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