Sanjay Manjrekar Highlights the Difference Between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test Cricket. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has urged fans and cricket experts not to compare Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when discussing their performances in Test cricket. According to Manjrekar, there is no valid comparison between the two, especially considering their different records in the longest format of the game. He emphasized that Kohli stands far ahead of Rohit, particularly when it comes to performances in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).
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Rohit and Virat Kohli’s Retirement and effect on Indian Test Team
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retired from Test cricket ahead of India’s tour to England. As a result, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, will face the challenge of playing without two of its most senior players in the upcoming five-match series. Speaking about the absence of these players, Shubman Gill mentioned the pressure the team would face without their experience.
Career Stats: A Clear Divide in Test Performances
Rohit Sharma called time on his Test career after playing 67 matches, with an average slightly over 40. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who played 123 Tests, finished with a higher average of 46.85. Rohit scored 12 centuries in his career, while Kohli surpassed him with an impressive 30 Test centuries. In terms of runs, Rohit accumulated 4301 runs, while Kohli amassed 9230 runs.
Manjrekar’s Argument: Why Kohli is Ahead of Rohit in Test Cricket
In a video shared on his Instagram, Manjrekar expressed his thoughts on the comparison between the two cricketers. He stated that, while comparisons can be made between them in limited-overs cricket, such comparisons are not valid in Test cricket. Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli’s record, especially in SENA countries, sets him apart from Rohit.
Rohit’s Struggles in SENA Countries
Manjrekar highlighted that Kohli has scored 12 centuries in SENA countries, which are considered the ultimate test for a batsman. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has managed just one century in SENA countries a 100 at the Oval in England in 2021. Despite having played over 100 innings in these countries, Rohit has only one century to his name, which reflects his struggles in these challenging conditions.
Manjrekar also speculated that had Rohit continued playing, his average might have dropped into the 30s, especially if he had traveled to England for the five-match series.
Conclusion: Kohli in a League of His Own in Test Cricket
In Manjrekar’s opinion, there is no debate when comparing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Kohli, with his superior record, particularly in tough SENA conditions, belongs to a different league. Manjrekar urged everyone to stop grouping the two players together in discussions about Test cricket, stating that the comparison between the two, especially in red-ball cricket, is simply unwarranted.
While both Rohit and Kohli have faced difficult patches in recent series, with Kohli struggling in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Rohit failing to score a half-century in his last six Tests, Manjrekar’s analysis makes it clear that Virat Kohli remains far ahead of Rohit Sharma in the longest format of the game.
