However, Rohit himself feels that Virat is a better batsman than him in all the three formats of the game.

“I have seen that many of my fans compare me with Virat Kohli, but I don’t see any comparison there. I accept that Virat is better than me in every format of the game,” said Rohit recently.

Let’s take a look at the records of both the great batsmen across all three formats.

Virat vs Rohit in ODIs

In the 50-over format, Rohit has crossed 200 on three occasions, including that incredible 173-ball 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. Kohli’s highest score is 183, but his average is an impressive 57.32 after 265 innings. Rohit averages an imposing 48.69, but that’s still nearly 10 runs an innings less than Kohli.

As far as strike rate is concerned, Kohli nudges ahead with 93.62 in comparison to 89.97 by Rohit.

Virat vs Rohit in T20Is

Rohit has four international hundreds in T20s, compared to Kohli’s one. However, Kohli’s (52.73) average is way superior than Rohit (31.32). Rohit (139.24) has a marginally better strike rate than Kohli (137.96). However, Kohli’s consistency has been nothing short of mind-boggling. He was player of the tournament at the T20 World Cup in both 2014 and 2016.

Virat vs Rohit in Tests

In the longer format of the game, there is no comparison between Virat and Rohit. Kohli has played more than twice as many matches (108 to 49), scored nearly 5,000 more runs, and made 29 centuries in the longest format of the game with an average just a touch under 50.

In a good news to Ishan, captain Rohit has thrown his weight behind him. As per Rohit, Ishan has the freedom to play aggressive cricket even in the longest format of the game. The India captain also opened up about his recent conversations with the Mumbai Indians star amid India’s ongoing Windies tour.

“Ishan is a very talented player. We have seen it in the short career that he has had for India. He scored a double hundred in limited overs. He has the game, we have the responsibility to chisel that talent. We have to give him opportunities. He is a left-handed batter. He likes playing aggressive cricket. I have had clear discussions with him. I have explained to him how the team management wants him to play. He has been given freedom. He has the game, he needs the freedom and we will give him the opportunity,” said Rohit.

“I would like to speak specifically about Ishan’s wicket-keeping. He kept really, really well considering he played his first Test and to keep against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja where the ball is turning and bouncing and some balls keeping low as well. I was very impressed with his keeping skills. Unfortunately he got to score just one run as we had to declare. We want our top-order batters bat long. If the opportunity comes to bat long, Ishan is raring to go,” Rohit added.