Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Who is the better captain in test cricket?

There are only so many topics in Indian cricket that evoke fiery and heated debates, one of them being the ongoing one between Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma. Both have been an integral part of India’s cricket journey and performances so far have their individual styles of leadership and record contrasting opinions in the minds of many. Kohli’s tenure has been aggressive and relentless in his pursuit of perfection compared to Rohit’s style of more balance, composure, and tacticizing.

In recent times, however, the debate has further intensified, especially with regard to Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma’s Recent Challenges

And exactly out of the blue, the Test captaincy of Rohit Sharma came under the scanner the moment India lost the pink-ball Test to Australia by 10 wickets at Adelaide. Back in the team from missing the Perth opener, Rohit couldn’t really inspire change, battling poorly at No. 6 and failing to have enforced plans in place on the field. That pressure was particularly heightened following India’s historic 0-3 whitewash at home a few months back against New Zealand. Former coach Ravi Shastri openly slammed Rohit’s quiet body language and encouraged the player to take on a more engaged and animated role.

The Numbers: Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma in Tests

Overall Record

Under Kohli’s leadership, the Indian side played 68 Tests winning 40 with losing 17; hence making him the most distinguished Test captain as far as numbers are considered. At the same time, Rohit has led the Indian side to 22 tests, and they have won 12 and lost 8. Kohli did this at only 26 years of age; however, Rohit took the captaincy at the age of 34, thus spending less time making an impression on the sport.

If you are good at making cricket match predictions, try your luck at Winexchange. The IPL 2025 will take place in a few months and you can make IPL score prediction to win real cash rewards. Sign up now on Winexchange.

Record in SENA Countries

Under the captaincy of Kohli, the test series for SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) has } won seven out of 24 matches while in comparison, one victory from four tested under even more challenging conditions came for Rohit Sharma.

The BGT is going on and it is a great chance to make sports predictions. Make cricket match predictions on Winexchange and win Lakhs every day.

Batting as a Captain

Kohli’s records as a captain in his batting form testify to his strength under pressure. While leading the team, he made more than half of his career Test runs at an average of 54.80. He kept an average of 47 in SENA countries. In contrast, Rohit’s numbers display the opposite: while he is great at home, he struggles overseas, registering an average of only 18.14 in SENA.

Rohit Sharma: The White-Ball Success

Kohli has given an altogether different style to Test cricket; similar has been Rohit’s contribution to white ball cricket. He has established himself as a master tactician in shorter formats, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup for India and taking them to the final of the ODI World Cup in 2023. His flamboyance in T20Is, just like in batting, brought the team back into the reckoning after two pathetic years of exposure in 2021 and 2022.

Are you interested in winning real cash rewards by making simple cricket match predictions? We have got you covered. Sign up now on Winexch, make sports predictions, and stand a chance to win grand prizes such as the iPhone 16. Sign up now.

White-Ball Records

The five IPL trophies, which have already filled the establishments of the Mumbai Indians, only add to Rohit’s already blazing reputation as a fine captain in T20 cricket. Kohli may also have the record of perhaps the most consistently playing person for his Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise but has never lifted an IPL trophy.

Leadership Styles: Voice of the Insiders

The captaincy styles of Rohit and Kohli have attracted various reactions from players and experts. Former coach Gautam Gambhir remarked that Rohit’s Test captaincy followed Kohli’s pattern, with particular reference to aggression and fast-bowling dominance. However, R. Ashwin, the off-spinner, pointed to Rohit’s grooming talent in creating a balanced and relaxed atmosphere within the team while working closely with the analytics team.

Jasprit Bumrah appreciated Rohit’s empathy towards bowlers and adaptability in tactics, something that was opposite to Kohli’s electrifying, passionate style of leadership.

What Next? 

The Test captaincy of Rohit Sharma comes at a crucial juncture for India to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Under such a time frame and with fast-approaching hurdles, it is Rohit’s changing fortune in future matches that will determine his rewrite of history as a Test captain. 

As the squabble continues, Kohli and Rohit remain as twin towers, both icons of Indian cricket, each writing history in his own right with a different attitude and contribution.

FAQs

Q: Who possesses a record of better Test captaincy, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma?

A: Kohli’s overall record in Test cricket is better: 58.82% in wins and 54.55% in winning for Rohit Sharma.

Q: How many IPL titles has Rohit Sharma won as a captain?

A: Rohit has led the Mumbai Indians to victory in IPL five times as captain.

Q: What kind of average does Virat Kohli have while captaining in Tests?

A: Under the captaincy of Vergat Kohli in Tests, the batting average stands at 54.80 and he proved his mettle under pressure.

Q: What about Rohit Sharma’s success at white-ball cricket?

A: Yes, Rohit Sharma took India to a T20 World Cup victory in 2024 and to the final of the ODI World Cup in 2023.