In a recent statement, the premium off-spinner of his time, Harbhajan Singh might have dodged the question of picking best batsmen among Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but he has subsequently lauded the efforts of both stars while referring the duo as ‘match-winners’ for the Men in Blue.
More often than not, both Rohit and Kohli have played respective roles judiciously for Team India to take the national team over the line.
“That’s a tricky question. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are tremendous players and both are match-winners,” Harbhajan told Sports Tak.
The veteran spinner Harbhajan reiterated the record of decorated batsmen is enough to speak volumes about their potential. He added Rohit has an aptitude to yield desired results and Kohli has put in hard yards to excel in the international fold.
“Both are class players and their records speak for themselves. Rohit Sharma is supremely talented while Virat Kohli is a hard-working cricketer,” Harbhajan added.
Rohit who is concurrently donning a captain’s hat in the ongoing three-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand.
The 31-year-old Rohit has achieved a milestone during the penultimate T20 to become leading run-scorer in the T20Is by eclipsing Kiwis Martin Guptill.
Rohit is ‘talented’ but Kohli’s passionate:
Moreover, Rohit has sealed the record of most sixes (102) as an Indian batsman in 920 T20Is.
While terming the question, ‘tough’ Harbhajan feels the best thing among the duo is that they’re representing the nation at the highest level. He remarked Kohli played a quintessential role which sets him apart in the league even though he sees Rohit as a gifted top-order batsman.
“Maybe, Kohli is not as talented at Rohit but his hard-work and passion have taken him to where he is right now. So, it’s tough for me to pick who’s a better batsman. I will not be able to answer this question. But both play for India, that’s what matters,” Harbhajan said.
On the other side, a force to reckon in Kohli is averaging 49.25 in the shortest version of the game. Interestingly, Rohit has sealed 12 wins in 14 matches while being at the helm of affairs for India.
Interestingly, Rohit, who has been a brute force in the white-ball cricket, has slammed four T20I hundreds. It’s the most by any batsmen in the cricketing world. He has attributed it with 16 fifties.
Harbhajan on Kohli-Rohit contribution:
Furthermore, Kohli has no hundred in the T20Is. However, he has slammed 19 fifties during his T20I stint so far.
While dissecting the game and the position of the top-notch batters, Harbhajan has admired the efforts of them for delivering goods regularly.
“We should not look at the stats but look at how much these two players have contributed playing for India,” Harbhajan concluded.
Harbhajan himself featured in 236 ODIs, 103 Tests and 28 T20Is for India between 1998 and 2016.