Virat Kohli under different captains in ODIs [Source: AFP]
Virat Kohli is set to return to white-ball cricket after a gap of seven months. Notably, the former India captain's last appearance came during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win against New Zealand. Now, as India tours Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is starting October 19, fans are eager to see him back in action.
This series will also mark the beginning of a new phase in Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill leading the ODI side and senior players like Rohit Sharma and Kohli playing key roles in shaping the team for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
Over the years, Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most consistent and reliable performers in the 50-over format. In 302 ODIs, he has scored 14,181 runs at a remarkable average of 57.88, including 51 centuries. His ability to adapt under different leaders has been a big reason behind his long and successful career. Let’s take a look at how Kohli has performed under various captains in One Day Internationals.
How has Virat Kohli performed in ODIs under different captains
Virat Kohli under MS Dhoni's captaincy:
Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. During Dhoni’s captaincy, Kohli played 133 innings and scored 5,703 runs at an average of 50.91 and a strike rate of 89.91. He registered 19 centuries and 27 half-centuries in this period. His conversion rate, the percentage of times he turned fifties into hundreds, stood at an impressive 41.30%.
Criteria | Stats |
Inns | 133 |
Runs | 5703 |
Ave | 50.91 |
SR | 89.91 |
Playing under MS Dhoni was crucial for Kohli’s development as a batsman. At that time, he was still finding his place in the top order, often shuffled between positions. Despite that, he managed to deliver consistent performances and quickly rose as one of India’s most dependable batters.
It is worth mentioning that Dhoni’s calm captaincy and backing played a big role in shaping Kohli’s early career.
Virat Kohli under his captaincy:
Criteria | Stats |
Inns | 91 |
Runs | 5449 |
Avg | 72.65 |
SR | 98.28 |
In 2013, Kohli took over as India’s full-time ODI captain. His performance reached another level during this phase. In 91 innings as captain, he scored 5,449 runs at an extraordinary average of 72.65 and a strike rate of 98.28. He smashed 21 centuries and 35 fifties, with a conversion rate of 43.75% , the best of his career.
This was the period when Kohli was at his absolute peak. He not only led the team with passion and aggression but also set benchmarks with his own batting. Under his captaincy, India achieved several memorable ODI wins, both at home and overseas.
Virat Kohli under Rohit Sharma's captaincy:
Criteria | Stats |
Inns | 40 |
Runs | 1779 |
Ave | 52.32 |
SR | 94.67 |
After Kohli stepped down in 2021, Rohit Sharma took over as captain. Kohli has continued to perform well under Rohit’s leadership. In 40 innings, he has scored 1,779 runs at an average of 52.32 and a strike rate of 94.67. This includes seven centuries and ten fifties, with a conversion rate of 41.30%.
One of his most iconic moments under Rohit’s captaincy came when he scored his 50th ODI hundred, a record-breaking knock of 117 against New Zealand, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for most centuries in ODIs.
Kohli under different captains:
Apart from Dhoni, Rohit, and himself, Kohli has also briefly played under other Indian captains like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya.
Under Gambhir, he played six matches and scored 314 runs, including a century. Under Sehwag, he also featured in six matches and scored 336 runs.
As we come to an end, Virat Kohli has notably remained constant. Whether playing under a senior captain, leading the team himself, or supporting a younger leader, Kohli continues to set the standard for excellence in ODI cricket. As he returns for the Australia series, it will be worth watching how he performs under Gill.