Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both had remarkable first-class careers. While Kohli is known for his consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores, Rohit is recognized for his aggressive style and ability to dominate innings. Both have made significant contributions to Indian cricket over the years.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s first-class cricket career has been a standout, marked by consistency and a remarkable ability to accumulate runs. Over 155 matches and 258 innings, Kohli has scored 11,479 runs at an impressive average of 48.23, a testament to his consistency in various conditions. His highest score of 254* reflects his capacity to dominate and build long innings. Kohli’s approach to batting is balanced, with a strike rate of 55.96, combining patience and aggression, essential for success in the longer format.
His record includes 37 centuries and 39 fifties, underscoring his knack for converting starts into substantial scores. Kohli has also been a prolific boundary hitter, amassing 1,340 fours and 45 sixes, blending classical technique with modern aggression. As a fielder, he has taken 152 catches, further demonstrating his all-round skills and commitment to his team’s success, both with the bat and in the field.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s first-class cricket journey is equally impressive, with 9,318 runs in 129 matches and 209 innings, boasting an average of 49.04, slightly higher than Kohli’s. His highest score of 309* is remarkable, surpassing Kohli’s best, cementing his place in Indian first-class history.
Rohit’s strike rate of 61.18 indicates his aggressive batting style, highlighting his ability to score quickly, which is crucial in modern cricket. He has accumulated 29 centuries and 38 half-centuries, displaying consistency in building innings.
What truly distinguishes Rohit’s batting is his powerful stroke play, with 170 sixes, far outpacing Kohli’s 45, showcasing a shift in modern batting techniques. His boundary count stands at 1,074 fours, reflecting his ability to find gaps with ease. Additionally, Rohit has taken 112 catches, further proving his all-round contribution to the game, not just with the bat but also in the field.
Here are the stats of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in first-class cricket:
| Stat | Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 155 | 129 |
| Innings | 258 | 209 |
| Total Runs | 11,479 | 9,318 |
| Batting Average | 48.23 | 49.04 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 309* |
| Strike Rate | 55.96 | 61.18 |
| Centuries | 37 | 29 |
| Half-Centuries | 39 | 38 |
| Fours | 1,340 | 1,074 |
| Sixes | 45 | 170 |
| Catches | 152 | 112 |
| Stumpings | 0 | 0 |