IND vs BAN: Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli - Ex-Pakistan cricketer delivers a shocking verdict
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has picked Rohit Sharma over Virat Kohli in his recent interview. According to Kaneria, Rohit can take the pressure from the upcoming batters and allow them to play freely.
While Rohit and Virat are the ultimate legends of the game, there have been constant discussions between the experts and the cricket fans about the better player of the two.
Both players have their styles of batting and both have won India numerous games in the past. Both Rohit and Virat are the backbone of India's batting in Tests and ODIs. These two stalwarts retired from the T20Is after India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in June this year.
Also read: IND vs BAN: Yuzvendra Chahal gives a tight slap to Ajit Agarkar
Danish Kaneria picks Rohit Sharma over Virat Kohli
While speaking on Sports Yaari, Danish Kaneria was asked to pick one out of Rohit and Virat. After giving it a thought, Kaneria picked Rohit Sharma. The former Pakistan legspinner claimed that Rohit's positivity allows the other batters to bat freely.
"It's a very good question but (I would choose) Rohit (Sharma). The way he plays while opening an innings, he takes off the pressure on the upcoming batters and allows them to play with a free hand," Kaneria said.
Rohit Sharma > Virat Kohli ?
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) September 10, 2024
Would you pick Rohit over Virat like @DanishKaneria61 did? pic.twitter.com/ROPToB2pZz
Danish Kaneria also hailed Rohit's favorite pull shot and claimed that the 37-year-old can dent the confidence of the bowlers with his shot by using his feet.
"The way he plays the pull shot, the way he takes on the bowlers by using his feet, it dents the confidence of the bowlers. As a result, the pressure on the upcoming batters gets released," he added.
Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of the fiercest pullers of the ball. The pull shot is arguably his favorite shot. Along with his ability to handle pace bowling, he is also a brilliant player of spin.
Rohit Sharma's transformation as an attacking batter
Since the ODI World Cup 2023, Rohit has changed his batting style and is now more attacking in the powerplay. He has looked to play freely as he aims to make full use of powerplay restrictions. His attacking brand of cricket was pivotal in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.
Despite being one of the greatest batters in history, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had to wait for 11 years for another ICC title after the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. During this period, India reached the knockouts several times but failed to lift the trophy.
However, in the T20 World Cup 2024, India clinched the title with a thrilling win over South Africa in the final. Rohit Sharma played a key role in India's title win as he scored 257 runs in 8 matches at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.70. He finished as the second-highest run-getter of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli did not have a great tournament on a personal note but scored a crucial 77 off 59 balls in the final. Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match in the final.
