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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has returned for its 17th season, and the league has served up some excellent cricketing action in the first few weeks. Many have tuned into the league just to watch its star players, and a couple of them are undoubtedly Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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Kohli has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in each IPL season, and has become one of the league and the country’s biggest stars. Now 35, many have suggested he may begin winding down his career, but his form in this season’s tournament says otherwise.
Rohit is the current India captain, and has been confirmed the BCCI to lead the team at the upcoming T20 World Cup. With the tournament looming, TSN takes a look at how these two players have performed in the IPL so far.
Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Comparing strike rates of MI and RCB stars in IPL
Rohit Sharma began his IPL career with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, lifting the title with the franchise in 2009. He was also a member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning side. Starting off a middle-lower order batter, Rohit maintained a strike rate of close to 145 along with an average of 45 for his first 30 matches.
Gradually, after moving up the order, his strike rate dipped as he began to play longer innings, often looking to anchor. It has now stabilised at a respectable 130, alongside an average of 29.
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Kohli was also used down the order in his early days with RCB, as they sought to fit the likes of Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Kevin Pietersen into their lineup. He was ill-suited to the finishing role, often striking at just under 120.
After finding a home in the top order, Kohli’s performance improved, and he has shown himself to be a player who can attack the powerplay and provide value if he survives until the death overs. His current strike rate is 130, with an average of 38.
| Name | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 243 | 7582 | 38.10 | 130.48 | 113* |
| Rohit Sharma | 249 | 6472 | 30.10 | 131.22 | 109* |
Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Comparing strike rates of MI and RCB stars in IPL 2024
This season, Kohli has accumulated runs at a frightening level, as his tally of 316 in 5 innings is head and shoulders above anyone else. Rohit is far behind in terms of quantity of runs, but has been a brisk scorer so far.
| Name | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 6 | 319 | 79.75 | 141.78 | 113* |
| Rohit Sharma | 6 | 261 | 52.20 | 167.31 | 105* |