5 reasons why Rohit Sharma is no less than Virat Kohli in ODIs since 2013

India has always been gifted with batting duos like Sachin-Ganguly, Sachin-Sehwag, Sehwag-Gambhir, Gambhir-Kohli that dominated world cricket in their time. Now we are gifted with a top three which has been plundering bowling attacks all over the world out of which Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been scaling new heights with their run-scoring pyrotechnics. Virat has been a revelation in the 50 over format while Rohit’s ODI record which was miserable until Champions Trophy (CT) 2013, came his way.

Captain Kohli and Vice-Captain Rohit have been so impressive that no other player can match their numbers in the last 6 years. This is why they are No.1 and No.2 ranked players in ICC batting rankings. Since 2013, Rohit has grown in stature as one of the best ODI openers.

But he has always been playing second fiddle to Virat Kohli who has made the cricketing world to watch him in awe of his class and consistency. But if we dig in some numbers in ODIs, we get to see that Rohit has been matching Kohli and in some areas, he has overtaken him as well.

Let us look into the reasons why Rohit is no less than Kohli since 2013:

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#1 Most runs

Rohit Sharma has been one of the prolific run-scorers in ODI after he started opening the batting. Mahendra Singh Dhoni asked him to open the batting in CT 2013 & there has been no looking back as he along with Virat Kohli has been on a run-scoring spree.

Since 2013, Rohit Sharma has scored 5243 runs in 103 Innings at an average of 58.91. He is second only to Virat who has 6190 runs in 117 Innings at 66.55. Had he played another 14 innings he would come to close Kohli's tally, which shows his contribution is second to none.

He has scored runs and has dominated bowling attacks all around the world. Be it bouncy tracks of Australia and South Africa or Seaming conditions in England and New Zealand, Rohit has given great starts which is the major factor of India's overseas wins.

He becomes an unstoppable force when it comes to home conditions, marauding bowling attacks and scoring double hundreds for fun.

#2 Better conversion rate

Hallmark of Kohli's batting has been his consistency in notching up big scores. If there is one player who has matched Kohli's standards, then that is Rohit. For every 2.29 Innings, Kohli scores a 50, while Rohit takes 2.45 Innings. When it comes to hundreds, Kohli takes 4.88 Innings for a hundred, while Rohit takes 5.72 Innings which is no lesser feat.

Rohit being an opener and with two new balls being used, his conversion rate is impressive. Not only does he convert a good start into 50 or 100, his conversio rate to make it as 150 or 200 is also amazing.

If he is set, then there is no limit for the runs that he scores. He has the best strike rate of a staggering 254.31 in the last 10 overs among batsman with a minimum of 200 runs bettering the likes of AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler.

#3 Impact in ICC Tournaments

India has been the most consistent team in ICC tournaments in ODI format since 2013. Having won the 2013 Champions Trophy (CT), India qualified for the semi-finals in the Cricket World Cup 2015 and lost the finals against Pakistan in CT 2017. India's success was mainly due to India's top 3.

Although Shikhar Dhawan has top-scored for India in all those tournaments, Rohit Sharma has played crucial knocks in each of the tournament. With some consistent scores of 50, 2013 CT saw the birth Rohit 2.0.

His match-winning 137 against Bangladesh in the quarterfinal of the CWC 2015, was a coming of age innings. He again played a crucial part in India's journey to CT 2017 finals scoring 304 in 5 matches.

Statistics show that Rohit has fared better than Kohli in ICC tournaments with more runs, the 50s, and 100s than his skipper which showcases his big match temperament.

#4 Consistent top scores

If there is one thing that is synonymous with Rohit, then that is scoring big hundreds. He has most no. of 150+ scores in ODI with six and owns 200 clubs with three 200s. Rohit is way ahead of Kohli when it comes to scoring big hundreds. Out of Kohli's 37 hundred, only 16 are above 120 and for Rohit, 15 out of 20 hundred have been above 120.

Perhaps it is safe to say, Rohit has owned up the technique of scoring big hundreds which Kohli lacked in his initial years. In fact, Out of Kohli’s first 17 hundreds, only three scores are above 120.

But, Rohit is one player who has been consistently scoring big hundreds and it is on an improving trend for the past one year with him scoring hundreds in each of the series from CT 2017. He doesn’t throw his wicket after scoring a hundred and that is a sign of greatness.

#5 Relishes captaincy pressure

Kohli and Rohit have taken captaincy just like fish take to the water. After taking over the reins Kohli has been literally unstoppable in all formats. Rohit also likes that extra bit of pressure to perform well in big stages. Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to three Indian Premier League titles in six seasons as Captain along with a Champions League.

Similarly, with limited opportunities as India Captain, he has been clinical both as a captain and batsman in those series. After leading India to 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka, his real challenge came in the Asia Cup 2018.

His captaincy skills were well appreciated with him having to overcome scorching heat and silly scheduling of matches. He led from the front with the bat and also managed his resources very well that talks of him making a case as permanent captain started the rounds.

Although it is unlikely to happen, it is well-documented that in Rohit we have a huge captaincy material. He may not possess the swag like Kohli, but he is definitely not far behind Kohli as far as ODIs are concerned.