Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Who's the better IPL opener?

Rohit-Sharma-and-Virat-Kohli. (Photo source: X)

The has been a platform for displaying batting brilliance like no other T20 league in the world. Over the years, several Indian batters have excited fans with their abilities and match-winning innings. Among them, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stand out not just as modern-day greats but as two of the most successful opening batters in the league's history.

With both players achieving significant milestones in the ongoing 2025 season, each day, there is immense chatter about who is better. On that note, let us take a look at two modern-day greats of Indian cricket, Virat and Rohit. 

Virat Kohli

As an opener, has a brilliant record with 4857 runs in 124 innings at an average of 47.15 and a strike rate of 138.89. His numbers include eight centuries and 38 half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 113, which was achieved twice, once against Punjab Kings in 2016 and other against Rajasthan Royals in 2024. This season, the Delhi-born has broken multiple records. 

He surpassed David Warner for the most fifty-plus scores in IPL history, notched up 500-plus runs in a season for the eighth time, and recorded four back-to-back fifties for RCB. His most memorable performance came against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, where he scored a stunning half-century, surpassing the record for most runs against a single opponent in IPL history. Kohli now holds three of the top four spots for most runs against a single team.

Moreover, the 36-year-old has displayed his aggressive intent this season, smashing over 300 sixes in IPL and registering the record for the most sixes at a single venue with 152 maximums at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, going past Chris Gayle. Notably, he currently holds the Orange Cap with 505 runs in 11 innings and has been crucial in giving his team solid starts and later anchoring the innings.

Rohit Sharma

, who began as a regular opener in the IPL in 2016, has had a different journey at this position. The veteran batter has so far hammered 3041 runs in 112 innings at an average of 28.96 and a strike rate of 133.61, including a century as an opener. However, he may not match Kohli in terms of average or centuries, but his contributions to the Mumbai Indians’ five IPL titles make him a valuable asset.

The Nagpur-born reached a significant feat this season by surpassing Shikhar Dhawan to become the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history. In MI’s clash against Rajasthan Royals, he registered his name in history books by becoming the first player to score 6000 runs for a single franchise (including Champions League T20). He also became the fifth-fastest player to reach 12,000 T20 runs, joining an elite list that includes his Indian teammate. In terms of impact, Rohit holds several records with MI, including the most sixes and most Player of the Match awards for the franchise. 

Conclusion

Both Kohli and Rohit have been special players and have gone on to become legends of this game and league. The duo has often been compared to each other as they keep shattering and registering new records and milestones.