'Centre stage vs flamboyance' - R Ashwin highlights key difference between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former Indian all-rounder R Ashwin and highlighted the difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two generational pioneers of Indian cricket.

Ashwin spoke of the differences between the two batting stalwarts, highlighting Kohli’s need to take centre stage while batting, controlling the innings while Rohit likes to go at bowlers from the start with his flamboyant stroke play.

“Look, I think contrasting personalities in many ways. Virat loves to make those runs. He wants to be the center stage. He wants to do things in a certain way. While Rohit is slightly different, he loves to be a lot more flamboyant and wants to take on the bowlers from the start. I don't think he's going to change one bit this season,” Ashwin said while speaking on JioHotstar.

Kohli once again took centre stage in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s opening-match victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing 201, Kohli played second fiddle when Devdutt Padikkal was having a go at the SRH bowlers. Later, he took charge of the chase once Padikkal was dismissed, finishing with a boundary-laden, unbeaten 69, as RCB finished the chase comfortably in 15.4 overs.

Rohit takes the field for the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2026 season. With excitement surrounding his role and fitness improvements, the former Indian captain is set to play a key role if Mumbai Indians are to lift their sixth crown. A powerful strokemaker, Rohit can take down bowlers with ease and can change games with his attacking batting early on. 

With 8,730 runs in 268 matches, Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the history of the league, having won two orange caps. He also holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single season of the IPL (973 in 2016). On the other hand, Rohit has scored 7046 runs in 272 games, and has over 300 sixes in the tournament, a highlight of his ability as someone who takes on bowlers mercilessly.