Pujara backs Kohli over Rohit for New Zealand ODI century, predicts 2-2 series result

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said that Virat Kohli carries a slightly better chance than Rohit Sharma of scoring a century during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which runs from November 4 to November 15, 2026, across Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Hamilton and Wellington.

Pujara explained his reasoning by pointing to the different demands that New Zealand conditions place on an opening batter compared with a number three. Rohit typically sets the tone in the powerplay with aggressive batting at the top of the order, but Pujara noted that role may shift in these conditions, giving Rohit a chance to build a longer innings. Even so, Pujara felt Kohli's position at number three, where an anchor role is more naturally suited to the ODI format, tilts the odds in his favour.

"The way Rohit bats, he has a role of providing good starts in the powerplay. In New Zealand, maybe that role changes, so he could go for a century. But for Virat, the chances are slightly higher because he bats at number three. His game is more about playing the anchor role. So, for a batsman coming in at number three, scoring a century in the ODI format becomes a bit easier. The opener's role is also defined, but in New Zealand conditions, that changes a bit. So, I feel Virat has more chances of scoring a hundred in New Zealand than Rohit," Pujara said on JioStar.

Why does Pujara give Kohli the edge for a century?

Pujara's assessment rests on the structural difference between opening and batting at number three in one-day cricket. An opener must respond immediately to the new ball and, in New Zealand, the conditions can demand a more measured approach than usual, which may disrupt the natural rhythm of a player like Rohit who thrives on powerplay aggression.

Both players arrive in strong ODI form. Kohli accumulated 168 runs across three innings against West Indies, highlighted by an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls while chasing a target of 296 in the opening match. Rohit, meanwhile, amassed 225 runs in three innings against the same opposition at an average of 75.00, registering a century and recording a highest score of 101 at a strike rate above 115.

How does Pujara see the five-match series finishing?

Beyond the individual century debate, Pujara also shared his view on the overall series outcome. He pointed to a notable factor being India's squad split across the five matches, with one group playing the first three ODIs and a different set of players taking over for the final two, ahead of a Test beginning November 19 in Wellington.

That rotation, Pujara argued, hands New Zealand a structural advantage because the hosts face a consistent lineup while India field two effectively separate sides. He backed India in the first three matches but acknowledged the last two would be more difficult. He also factored in New Zealand's weather, noting that rain could wash out at least one game.

"Two-all. In the first three matches, one team is playing, and then, in the last two matches, another India n team is going to play. So, I think New Zealand have a slight advantage because you aren't playing the same team in all five matches. I'm still backing the India n team in the first three matches, as I feel they will do well. The last two matches could be a bit of a challenge, but it will be a hard-fought series. And it rains in New Zealand, so probably one match will be a washout," Pujara said.