Virat Kohli hates seeing Rohit Sharma as No.1 ranked ODI batter, claims AB de Villiers

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently gearing up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11 in Vadodara. While fans are looking forward to a strong contest between the two teams, there will also be a fight for the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings.

Presently, Rohit Sharma is the top-ranked ODI batter in the world. Virat Kohli is right behind him at No. 2, with only eight points separating the two modern-era legends. Since the gap is so small, the India-New Zealand ODI series could decide who sits at the top next week.

Virat Kohli doesn't like to be No. 2 - AB de Villiers

In a revelation, former South African legend and Virat Kohli's close friend AB de Villiers has claimed that the Indian superstar "hates" seeing himself at the No. 2 spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, with Rohit Sharma being the world's No. 1-ranked ODI batter.

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The former RCB icon reckoned that Kohli must be fully aware of Rohit’s position at No. 1 and will be highly motivated to challenge for that top spot in the upcoming New Zealand series. Given his competitive nature, ABD said Kohli will not be happy to see Rohit at the top.

AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel: “Rohit is the No. 1 ODI batter in the world at the moment, and believe me, Virat will know about that. It's a healthy competition there as the No. 1 and 2 batters in the world. Virat doesn't like to be No. 2. Yes, they are teammates, and they are friends, but I feel Virat will make a run at it (becoming No. 1).”

A Healthy Rivalry, Not a Rift

The Proteas legend insisted that even though Rohit and Virat are teammates and share a good bond, they will be keen to beat each other, and this kind of competition always exists at the highest level. He also noted that Rohit will be equally determined to protect his No. 1 ranking.

De Villiers further explained, “They'll never talk about it, but they'll know about it. Rohit will want to stay No. 1, and Virat will want to be No. 1. It's a healthy competition within a squad that you want. It's very good for Team India to have the two greatest players there, No. 1 and 2. The team will only benefit from their healthy competition.”

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AB de Villiers exposes India’s unseen batting rivalry

AB de Villiers also explained that competition does not only happen between players who are in the playing XI, saying even batters who are sitting out know exactly whose spot they are aiming for. In a strong squad like India’s, especially in white-ball cricket, players are always aware of the competition around them, shared the former South African captain.

He signed off by saying, “It's similar to a squad of 15 touring somewhere. The batter not playing will know exactly which guy is his main opposition and who he needs to take over in order to get more game time. You never talk about it, but you know about it, and that's what you work towards.”