Mohammad Kaif Highlights Kohli's Edge Over Rohit in ODI Cricket

In a recent analysis, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif emphasized Virat Kohli's superior performance in ODI cricket compared to Rohit Sharma. As Kohli approaches a new milestone, having recorded five consecutive fifty-plus scores, he is on the brink of making history as the first Indian to achieve six. With impressive statistics and a recent Player of the Match award, Kohli's form is a topic of discussion ahead of the upcoming ODI against New Zealand. This article delves into Kohli's achievements and the records he is chasing, providing insights into his remarkable consistency and skill.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 00:56 IST

Kaif Discusses Kohli vs Rohit

Former cricketer and now commentator Mohammad Kaif has expressed that Virat Kohli's ability to consistently perform and convert his starts into significant scores gives him an advantage over Rohit Sharma in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Kaif's remarks were made just before the second ODI between India and New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday.

"Virat Kohli has a knack for turning his starts into match-winning innings. When he scores 30 or 40 runs, he tends to remain at the crease until the end, often leading his team to victory. If he finds his rhythm, he becomes even more consistent. This is why Kohli has consistently outperformed Rohit Sharma in ODIs. His ability to score runs and play substantial innings is evident. For instance, after his dismissal in the first ODI, Kohli was visibly disappointed, indicating he regretted his shot selection," Kaif shared on his YouTube channel.

Kohli Approaching a New Milestone

In the first ODI, Kohli was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive 93 runs, which contributed to India's four-wicket victory while chasing a target of 300 runs.

As the second ODI approaches, Kohli is on the verge of reaching a new milestone among Indian batsmen. The 37-year-old is in exceptional form, having recorded five consecutive scores of fifty or more in ODIs. This streak began during the final ODI against Australia in Sydney and continued with his outstanding 93 runs off 91 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand, featuring eight fours and a six.

Joining Elite Company in Indian Cricket

Currently, Kohli is tied with cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, each having five successive ODI scores of fifty or more. Achieving another half-century would make him the first Indian player to record six consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs.

Chasing Global Records

On the international stage, Pakistan's Javed Miandad holds the record for the most consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs with nine, followed by Imam-ul-Haq with seven. Other notable players, including Kane Williamson, Shai Hope, Babar Azam, Paul Stirling, Ross Taylor, and Chris Gayle, have each achieved six successive fifty-plus scores.

Kohli's Impressive Statistics

In his last five ODIs, Kohli has amassed 469 runs at an impressive average of 156.33, including two centuries and three fifties.

If we factor in his two innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, where he scored 131 and 77, Kohli has achieved seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in List-A cricket. Over these seven innings, he has accumulated 677 runs at an average of 135.4, featuring three centuries and four fifties.

Team Squads

India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Ayush Badoni, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel.

New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Jayden Lennox, Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, Michael Rae.