IND vs NZ 2026: ‘He converts starts’ – Former RCB cricketer explains why Kohli edges Rohit in ODIs

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that veteran batter Virat Kohli’s impressive conversion rate gives him the edge over Indian opener Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket. Kohli has been in fine form in recent months, scoring 418 runs in his last five matches, which includes two half-centuries and two centuries.

The right-handed batter continued his strong run in the ongoing series against New Zealand with another magnificent innings, scoring 93 off 91 balls in the first ODI in Vadodara. His knock helped the Men in Blue successfully chase down a target of 301 and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Following the match-winning performance, Kaif praised Kohli’s consistency and highlighted his remarkable ability to convert starts into big scores in the ODI format.

“Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match, and, if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always been ahead of Rohit Sharma. He consistently scores runs and plays big innings. You could see it when Virat Kohli got out in the first ODI; he was shaking his head, clearly thinking he played the wrong shot,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kohli has crossed the 50-run mark 130 times in his ODI career and has registered a world-record 53 centuries, giving him an impressive conversion rate of 40.76%. In the first ODI, he was dismissed in the 90s for the eighth time in his career, after being caught at mid-off by Michael Bracewell off the bowling of Kyle Jamieson.

In comparison, Rohit has recorded 94 scores of fifty or more in ODIs, with 33 of those converted into centuries, resulting in a conversion rate of 35.10%. Despite the difference in their individual numbers, the duo have complemented each other effectively over the past few years and played a key role in guiding India to several memorable victories.

As India build towards the ODI World Cup 2027, both Rohit and Kohli are in the twilight of their careers. However, they have consistently silenced their critics with the brilliance of their batting and will be eager to carry their rich form into the upcoming series.