Mohammad Kaif points out an interesting comparison between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Former India cricketer and now commentator Mohammad Kaif has expressed the view that Virat Kohli holds an edge over Rohit Sharma in One Day International cricket, largely due to his remarkable ability to convert starts into substantial scores. Kaif highlighted Kohli’s exceptional consistency and temperament, pointing out that his conversion rate in ODIs sets him apart from his contemporaries. According to Kaif, Kohli’s knack for turning good beginnings into match-defining innings has been a key reason behind his sustained success in the format. Kohli has enjoyed an excellent run of form in recent months, underlining Kaif’s assessment with strong numbers.
Mohammad Kaif compares Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
In his last five international outings, Virat Kohli has amassed 469 runs, a tally that includes two centuries and three half-centuries. These figures reflect not only his consistency but also his hunger for big scores in pressure situations. The ongoing series against New Zealand has further showcased Kohli’s class. In the opening ODI at Vadodara, he produced yet another high-quality knock, scoring a fluent 93 off 91 deliveries. His innings anchored India’s chase of a challenging 301-run target, guiding the hosts to a comfortable finish and giving them a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
“Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match, and, if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always been ahead of Rohit Sharma. He consistently scores runs and plays big innings. You could see it when Virat Kohli got out in the first ODI; he was shaking his head, clearly thinking he played the wrong shot,” stated former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif.
Virat Kohli’s consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores is further reflected in his impressive career numbers. Over the course of his ODI career, Kohli has crossed the 50-run mark on 130 occasions and has gone on to score a world-record 53 centuries. This translates into a remarkable conversion rate of 40.76 per cent, underlining his reputation as one of the most reliable run-getters in the history of the format. The opening ODI against New Zealand also added another unusual milestone to his career, as Kohli was dismissed in the 90s for the eighth time. He fell for 93 in Vadodara, caught at mid-off by Michael Bracewell off the bowling of Kyle Jamieson, narrowly missing out on yet another hundred.
In comparison, Rohit Sharma’s ODI record also stands out, though his conversion rate is slightly lower. The India captain has registered 94 scores of fifty or more in the format, with 33 of those innings being converted into centuries. This gives Rohit a conversion rate of 35.10 per cent, still an impressive figure by any standard. Despite the difference in their individual statistics, Kohli and Rohit have formed a formidable partnership over the years. Their contrasting styles and mutual understanding have played a crucial role in guiding India to numerous memorable victories across different conditions.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are now in the latter stages of their illustrious careers, with India steadily building toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. As discussions around transition and succession continue, the veteran duo have consistently answered their critics in the best way possible — with runs. Time and again, they have showcased their class, experience, and hunger for success, proving that they remain central to India’s ambitions in the 50-over format.
Despite questions surrounding age and longevity, Rohit and Kohli have continued to deliver impactful performances at the highest level, anchoring the batting lineup and setting standards for the younger generation. Their ability to adapt, absorb pressure, and dominate bowling attacks has ensured their relevance in a rapidly evolving team setup. With confidence and momentum on their side, both batters will be keen to extend their rich vein of form when India take on New Zealand in the second ODI in Rajkot, aiming to further strengthen India’s position in the series.
