Virat Kohli Over Rohit Sharma: Was Gautam Gambhir's Selection Call Justified For SCG Test?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @LoyalSachinFan, @chixxsays/x.com]

In a surprising call for the fifth and final Test of the BGT 2024-25, Rohit Sharma rested himself. While there were hints to be taken how Gautam Gambhir was shaping the team during the practice session on the eve of the match when the actual move came, it did suprise the fans. 

There is a belief among the fans that the current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir has decided to rest Sharma. For this the former world cup winning opening batter has received a lot flak on the social media. One of the major rifts was between the Virat Kohli fan base and the Rohit Sharma fan base. The fact that Kohli is still playing while Rohit has been dropped did not go down well with the fans. 

Let us analyse the performance of the two players in the last five years and see whether it was a right call made by the Indian head coach - 

Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma - Test Performance Since 2019

Table - Overall Stats Of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma In Tests Since 2019

If we look at the performance of the two players in the last five years, that Rohit Sharma has the better numbers in all the aspects. Sharma has scored more runs than Kohli in less matches and even has more Hundreds. The fact that he has maintained a higher average in Test matches since 2019 indicates that he has been more consistent than Virat.

Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma - Year By Year Analysis

Table - Test Average Comparison Of Vira Kohli and Rohit Sharma since 2019

If we look at the consistency of the two players in Test cricket since 2019, then we see that Rohit has been ahead of Kohli in all the years barring 2023 and 2020. While Kohli did better than Rohit in 2023, the latter did not play a single Test in 2020. So, in this case also, the call to drop Rohit ahead of Kohli does not seem justified.

Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma - In SENA Countries Since 2019

Even when we see the performance of the two players in SENA counrties 2019, we can see that Rohit Sharma has been more consistent Virat Kohli. If we judge by this too, then also Gambhir's call looks unjustified.

Conclusion

While the stats clearly reveal that Rohit Sharma has been a better Test player than Virat Kohli since 2019, there are a few things that the stats don't say. Gautam Gambhir's decision might have been based on the current state of mind of Rohit Sharma. The fact that Rohit Sharma is a year older and Kohli apparently has better fitness than him might also have influenced the decision to a great extent.

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