Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have probably played their final ODI tour of New Zealand, wrapping up their latest assignment with the five-match series. Both veterans have enjoyed contrasting records in the country.
Their stats in New Zealand make for an interesting comparison, with both batters having enjoyed success in different ways. Let's look at their numbers to find out who has been the better ODI batter in the country.
Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: ODI Records in New Zealand
Stats
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Matches
19
18
Runs
467
682
Average
29.18
42.62
Strike-Rate
72.17
94.59
100s
0
1
50s
4
5
Virat Kohli has enjoyed a clear edge over Rohit Sharma in New Zealand, scoring 215 more ODI runs for India in the country. He is also India's second-highest ODI run-scorer in New Zealand, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
Moreover, Kohli has scored 311 runs at an average of 51.83, including two half-centuries, in ODIs won by India in New Zealand. On the other hand, Rohit has managed 265 runs at 33.12, with three half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: ODI Records in ICC Events in New Zealand
Stats
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Matches
2
2
Runs
80
82
Average
40.00
82.00
Highest Score
64
44*
Strike-Rate
91.95
91.11
100s
0
0
50s
1
0
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played two ODIs in New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. India faced Ireland and Zimbabwe in those matches, with Kohli narrowly leading Rohit in runs.
How Often Did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Score 50-Plus in New Zealand?
Stats
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Innings
17
17
50+ scores
4
6
50+ scores per innings
Every 4.25 innings
Every 2.83 innings
Virat Kohli has scored a half-century or better once every 2.83 innings in ODIs in New Zealand, compared to Rohit's one 50-plus score every 4.25 innings. This highlights Kohli's greater frequency of impactful contributions.
Despite playing the same number of innings, Kohli has registered two more 50-plus scores than Rohit. His century and five half-centuries underline his consistency in reaching significant milestones in New Zealand.
Conclusion
Overall, Virat Kohli has clearly outperformed Rohit Sharma in ODIs in New Zealand. He leads across runs, average, strike-rate and frequency of 50-plus scores, making him the more successful batter in these conditions.
Even in their latest five-match series, Kohli was India's top scorer with 86 runs in four innings, including the only Indian to score a half-century. Despite a poor tour, he stood out, while Rohit managed just 30 runs in four innings.