Rohit Sharma OR Virat Kohli: Who plays Mitchell Starc better?

India has produced two of the greatest modern-day batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have delivered countless memorable performances across formats, etching their names into cricketing history. On the other hand, Australia has given the world a fearsome fast bowler in Mitchell Starc, a left-arm pacer renowned for his pace, swing, and ability to dismantle batting line-ups with both the new and old ball.

Over the years, these three stalwarts have faced off multiple times in thrilling contests that have defined India–Australia battles. Rohit and Kohli, known for their contrasting styles, have each had their moments against Starc’s fiery spells. So, let us take a closer look at how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have fared against Mitchell Starc across formats and who has had the upper hand.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Tests

When it comes to red-ball cricket, Starc has established himself as one of the most lethal fast bowlers of the modern era, while Kohli is widely regarded as one of the finest batters in the format. Rohit, on the other hand, has played fewer Tests compared to Kohli but has still made his mark as a solid opener in recent years.

In their individual battles against Starc, Kohli holds a respectable record, scoring consistently against the left-arm quick. However, Starc has managed to dismiss him six times over the years, showcasing the intense nature of their on-field duels. Rohit, in contrast, has a remarkable record, despite facing Starc in 19 innings, the Australian speedster has never dismissed him in Tests.

ODIs

In the 50-over format, both Rohit and Kohli have been dominant forces, standing tall among the world’s best batters. Their consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions make them formidable opponents for any bowling attack. However, Starc has also been a nightmare for many batters in ODIs, using his lethal pace to dismantle line-ups even within his limited 10-over spell.

When comparing the two Indian stalwarts against Starc, Kohli clearly holds the edge. Both Rohit and Kohli have faced Starc in 14 ODI innings, but Rohit has been dismissed four times, whereas Kohli has fallen to him only twice. Kohli’s ability to counter Starc’s swing and pick length early has helped him maintain an impressive average of 78.

T20Is

In the shortest format of the game, opportunities to face a particular bowler are often limited, leaving little room to establish dominance or showcase complete skill sets. However, even in those few encounters, the contest between Kohli, Rohit, and Starc has offered intriguing insights.

When comparing their performances in T20Is, Kohli once again holds the upper hand. He has faced Starc in five innings and has never been dismissed by the Australian speedster. Rohit, on the other hand, has struggled slightly against Starc’s fiery pace and pinpoint yorkers in the shortest format. In three innings, he has been dismissed twice, typically finding it difficult to break free from Starc’s tight spells.

Conclusion

After analysing their performances across all three formats, it’s clear that Kohli and Rohit have had distinct strengths when facing Starc. In red-ball cricket, Rohit has been exceptional, maintaining a flawless record as Starc has never managed to dismiss him in red-ball cricket.

However, in white-ball cricket, Kohli holds a definitive edge. His ability to handle Starc’s pace with precision, particularly in ODIs and T20Is, has helped him dominate the left-arm quick, with just two dismissals in 14 ODI innings and none in T20Is. While Rohit often faces Starc upfront with the new ball, making his task tougher, Kohli’s adaptability across formats make him the one who has ultimately fared better against the Australian pacer overall.