The captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been a topic of much discussion in Indian cricket for years. While both have achieved significant success, they bring different approaches to leadership. Recently, R Ashwin and Varun Chakaravarthy shared their perspectives on the debate, highlighting key differences in their tactical acumen and leadership styles.
Varun Chakaravarthy, who has played under both captains, offered a comparative analysis. According to Chakaravarthy, Virat Kohli is a "true leader" who inspires through his actions and energy. He recalled an instance during a match against Pakistan where Kohli's aggressive response after losing early wickets was highly motivational. Chakaravarthy emphasized that Kohli's interactions were always "very motivational". In contrast, he found Rohit Sharma to be "very tactical".
Echoing Chakaravarthy's sentiments, R Ashwin, who has played extensively under both captains, agreed that Rohit Sharma is more tactically inclined. Ashwin highlighted that Rohit meticulously plans strategies with the analytics team and coach before major matches and series, focusing on identifying weaknesses of specific batsmen and devising plans for bowlers. Ashwin noted that while both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were tactically strong, Rohit Sharma delves deeper into tactics. He also emphasized that Rohit creates a light team environment and fully backs the players he selects.
Ashwin has also lauded Rohit Sharma for transforming India's approach in white-ball cricket, calling him one of the most selfless cricketers. He emphasized that Rohit changed the batting landscape by encouraging players to play selfless cricket. Ashwin believes Rohit's legacy is not just about winning tournaments, but about changing the mindset of how the game is played. Since the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss against England, Rohit has led by example, instilling a fearless attitude in the team.
Rohit Sharma's captaincy record speaks volumes about his leadership abilities. He has led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in IPL history. As captain of the Indian team, Rohit has achieved considerable success in all three formats. In ODIs, he has led India in 56 matches, winning 42 and maintaining an impressive win percentage of 74.54%. In T20Is, he has captained India in 62 matches, securing 49 wins with a win percentage of 74.41%. He led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. While his Test captaincy stint was relatively short, he led India in 24 matches, winning 12.
Virat Kohli's captaincy record is also remarkable. He captained India in 213 matches across all formats, winning 135. In Test cricket, Kohli led India in 68 matches, winning 40 and achieving the highest win percentage (58.82%) among captains who have led in at least ten matches. Under his leadership, India reached the top of the Test rankings and achieved historic series wins in Australia. In ODIs, Kohli captained India in 95 matches, winning 65 with a win percentage of 68.42%. He also led India to the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup. In T20Is, Kohli captained India in 50 matches, winning 30 with a win percentage of 60%.
Ultimately, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left indelible marks on Indian cricket. Kohli's aggression and intensity transformed India into a formidable force, particularly in Test cricket. Rohit's tactical acumen and ability to create a positive team environment have brought significant success in white-ball cricket. While their styles differ, both captains have contributed immensely to Indian cricket, and the debate over their captaincy ultimately highlights the diverse approaches that can lead to success.
