August 6, 2024 — In a statement that has sparked considerable debate among cricket fans, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Zahid has expressed his admiration for India’s captain Rohit Sharma, rating him higher than Virat Kohli. Zahid, who once played for Pakistan, praised Rohit’s batting prowess, comparing his ability to pick up the length of the ball to that of Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Zahid’s comments come amid discussions about the two Indian batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have dominated the international cricket scene for over a decade. While Kohli has often been lauded for his consistency and adaptability across formats, Zahid believes that Rohit stands out due to his fearless approach, particularly against fast bowlers.
“Rohit Sharma is better than Virat Kohli. I know Virat is a class apart, but Rohit is ahead of him. For me, Rohit is the best batter in the world at the moment. He plays fearlessly against the pacers, much like Inzamam-ul-Haq used to do,” Zahid remarked.
Rohit Sharma has indeed been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, especially over the last few years. His approach to batting, particularly in white-ball cricket, has evolved, making him one of the most dangerous openers in the world. His ability to accelerate from the get-go and dominate the powerplay overs has often put India in commanding positions early in their innings.
Rohit’s form in recent ICC tournaments has further cemented his place among the elite. He was India’s standout performer in the 2023 ODI World Cup, playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the final. His aggressive knocks at the top of the order were instrumental in setting the tone for India’s innings throughout the tournament.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit continued his fine form, ending the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer. His consistency and ability to lead from the front were key factors in India’s triumph in the tournament, where they lifted the trophy for the second time.
In contrast, Virat Kohli also had a significant impact in recent competitions. He scored over 700 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as one of the top run-getters. Additionally, Kohli ended the 2024 IPL season as the highest run-scorer, showcasing his class and consistency in the T20 format. However, his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was below his usual standards, with only one half-century to his name.
Zahid’s comparison of Rohit Sharma to Inzamam-ul-Haq is intriguing, given that Inzamam was known for his impeccable ability to read the length early and play with a relaxed elegance that belied his power. According to Zahid, Rohit embodies these qualities, making him a formidable presence at the crease.
While such comparisons are subjective, they highlight the different styles and strengths of two of the best batsmen of this generation. Rohit’s natural flair and ability to take on fast bowlers with ease make him a unique player, while Kohli’s technical brilliance and unmatched work ethic have earned him accolades across all formats.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket, each bringing something special to the game. Whether one rates Rohit above Kohli or vice versa, cricket fans around the world are fortunate to witness two of the finest batsmen in history competing at the highest level.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
