Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Cheteshwar Pujara Explains Why Kohli Scores More ODI Centuries

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of India’s greatest modern-day batters, but when it comes to scoring centuries in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, Kohli holds a significant advantage. Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has now explained why Kohli has found it easier to convert his innings into hundreds compared with Rohit.

According to a report published by Rediff on November 2, 2026, Pujara believes the difference largely comes down to their batting positions and responsibilities in the Indian team. Kohli generally bats at No. 3, allowing him to build an innings through the middle overs, while Rohit often takes an aggressive approach as an opener during the Powerplay.

The discussion comes ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, where both experienced batters will have another opportunity to strengthen their records and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat Kohli Leads Rohit Sharma in ODI Centuries

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in men’s ODI cricket, with 55 hundreds to his name. Rohit Sharma occupies third place on the all-time list with 35 centuries.

The difference highlights Kohli’s remarkable consistency in converting starts into three-figure scores throughout his international career.

Kohli has built his reputation on his ability to pace an innings, rotate the strike, find gaps and accelerate when required. His composure under pressure has also made him one of the most successful run-chasers in ODI cricket.

Rohit, meanwhile, is renowned for his explosive batting at the top of the order. His ability to dominate bowlers and score quickly during the Powerplay has made him one of the most dangerous opening batters in the format.

Although their approaches differ, both players have played crucial roles in India’s success across international cricket.

Also Read: India Reaches 300 T20Is With 200 Wins, Marking a New Era in Cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara Explains the Difference Between Kohli and Rohit

Pujara believes Kohli’s position at No. 3 gives him a structural advantage when it comes to scoring ODI centuries.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s cricket programme Out or Not Out, Pujara explained that Kohli generally has the opportunity to settle into his innings and build partnerships after the opening overs.

Rohit’s role, on the other hand, is often focused on providing India with a fast start during the Powerplay. This approach can require him to take greater risks early in his innings, even when conditions favour a more measured start.

Pujara also noted that conditions in New Zealand could influence Rohit’s usual approach, potentially giving him more opportunities to bat deep into the innings.

Nevertheless, he believes Kohli has a slightly better chance of scoring a century because of his established role as an anchor at No. 3.

The explanation is not necessarily a reflection of one batter being better than the other. Instead, it highlights how different positions and tactical responsibilities can influence a player’s opportunities to reach a hundred.

Why Batting at No. 3 Helps Virat Kohli

The No. 3 position is particularly important in ODI cricket because the batter can enter the game at different stages of an innings.

If an opener falls early, the No. 3 batter must help stabilise the innings. If the opening partnership is successful, the same batter can continue the momentum and take advantage of the platform established by the openers.

Kohli has mastered both situations during his career.

His ability to assess conditions, build partnerships and increase his scoring rate later in the innings has helped him produce hundreds consistently.

The middle overs also allow a batter to manage risk more carefully than during the initial Powerplay, when fielding restrictions and the new ball can create different challenges.

Kohli’s approach is built around maintaining control of the innings while ensuring the scoreboard continues to move. Once he reaches a half-century, he often becomes increasingly effective at finding boundaries and turning a solid start into a match-defining score.

This combination of patience, fitness and calculated aggression has been central to his extraordinary ODI record.

Rohit Sharma’s Aggressive Opening Strategy

Rohit Sharma’s batting philosophy is different. As an opener, his primary responsibility is often to give India a strong start and put the opposition under pressure from the beginning.

His timing, powerful pull shots and ability to clear the boundary make him particularly dangerous during the Powerplay.

However, an aggressive opening strategy can involve greater risks, especially when the ball is moving or the pitch offers assistance to fast bowlers.

Rohit has demonstrated that he can also play long innings and score big hundreds. His three double-centuries in ODI cricket underline his ability to dominate an entire innings when he settles in.

The difference, therefore, is not simply about batting ability. It is also about the demands of the role each player performs for India.

While Kohli often builds an innings from No. 3, Rohit is frequently expected to attack early and establish the platform for the middle order.

Comparing Kohli and Rohit’s Recent ODI Form

Both batters have continued to perform strongly in ODIs and remain important members of India’s plans.

According to the figures reported by Rediff, their century totals since January 2025 are as follows:

• Virat Kohli: Five ODI centuries in 22 matches.
• Rohit Sharma: Four ODI centuries in 26 matches.

Kohli’s numbers underline his consistency in converting good starts into hundreds, while Rohit’s figures demonstrate that he continues to deliver significant contributions at the top of the order.

Their performances against the West Indies also highlighted their value to the team. Kohli scored 168 runs across three innings, including an unbeaten 139, while Rohit accumulated 225 runs in three innings.

With both players preparing for the New Zealand series, their form will be closely followed by Indian cricket supporters.

New Zealand ODI Series Offers Another Opportunity

India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand begins on November 4, 2026. The five-match contest offers Kohli and Rohit another chance to contribute to India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

New Zealand conditions can present challenges for batters, particularly when the ball moves in the air or off the pitch.

For Rohit, adapting his attacking approach to the conditions could be important. If he can negotiate the early overs and settle in, he has the ability to produce another substantial innings.

Kohli’s role at No. 3 could allow him to assess the conditions before choosing the right moment to accelerate.

Pujara believes Kohli has a slightly greater chance of scoring more centuries during the series, although he acknowledged that Rohit could also benefit if his approach changes to suit the conditions.

The series will provide an interesting test of how two different batting styles can succeed in the same format.

Also Read: Rashid Khan Creates T20I History with 200 Wickets as Afghanistan Beat Zimbabwe in Epic Comeback

Can Kohli Extend His Lead Over Rohit Sharma?

With 55 ODI centuries, Kohli already holds a substantial advantage over Rohit’s 35. Both players remain active in the format, meaning their records could continue to change.

Kohli will look to maintain his consistency and extend his lead at the top of the all-time ODI century rankings. Rohit, meanwhile, will aim to add to his own impressive tally and continue demonstrating why he remains one of the most destructive opening batters in world cricket.

Their contrasting styles have benefited India in different ways. Kohli’s ability to anchor an innings complements Rohit’s capacity to accelerate at the top, giving the team flexibility across different match situations.

Ultimately, Pujara’s assessment highlights how batting positions, responsibilities and individual strategies can influence century records in ODI cricket.

For more cricket news, player comparisons, international match previews and the latest updates from the cricket world, visit Champ11 .

As India prepare for the New Zealand series, fans will be eager to see whether Kohli can add another century to his record or Rohit can close the gap with another explosive performance.