Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer turned commentator, recently sparked a controversy among fans about the comparison of batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in test cricket. Manjrekar encouraged fans and cricket analysts to avoid comparing the two legends in the longest format, claiming that Kohli is well ahead of Rohit, particularly in the red ball format.
Both Rohit and Virat recently said their goodbyes to Test cricket, ahead of India’s forthcoming five-match series against England. While Rohit finished his career with 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average greater than 40, Kohli finished with 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds. Rohit managed 12 test tonnes, one of which was from SENA countries.
Notably, the two retirements have left a leadership hole in the Indian team, which now relies on the younger generation. Meanwhile, fans and commentators have frequently commented on the duo’s legacy, often linking them together. However, Manjrekar believes the tale needs to be changed.
Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, recently stated that he will feel the burden of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence in the England season, specifically the Test series. And it sparked a long-dormant bee in my bonnet. The statement is less important than the reality that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli frequently team up.
“We even have a term for them, RoKo.” I get it in white-ball cricket; there is some comparison, and the players are comparable. There is also a dispute there, but that will be addressed later. When it comes to red-ball cricket, the two are in no way comparable. And I will never place them in the same bracket. “Just to give you some numbers so you don’t have to take my word for it,” the former stated in an Instagram video.
Virat Kohli is in a different league: Sanjay Manjrekar
The 59-year-old backed his views with numbers, especially pointing to Kohli’s solid record in the SENA nations. The Delhi-born has scored 12 of his 30 Test centuries in these conditions, whereas Rohit has just one. Manjrekar further mentioned that had the former Indian skipper played the England series, his average might have dipped below 40.
“When it comes to SENA countries, the true test of a batter, Virat Kohli has got 12 hundreds. 30 Test 100s as well. Rohit Sharma in SENA countries, just the one against England at Oval 2021. He’s played over 100 innings, just one hundred in SENA countries. And the average now is 40. And I dare say, had he continued playing or had he gone to England, that average would have dropped in the 30s.
“I can’t be absolutely sure, but that would be my educated guess. So, when it comes to Test cricket, please, red-ball cricket, Virat Kohli is in a different league when you compare him with Rohit Sharma. This comparison in red-ball cricket between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and putting them in the same bracket, I say, Roko, stop that,” he added.
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