“Virat Kohli Has It Easier Than Rohit Sharma”: Aakash Chopra Assesses IPL Icons
As the Indian Premier League approaches another highly anticipated season, the focus returns to three of modern cricket’s most recognizable figures: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Former India batter and current broadcaster Aakash Chopra has evaluated the trio, offering an assessment of their roles, current form, and expected impact.
Chopra expects Kohli to perform at an elite level, attributing this to his rigorous conditioning and his position at the top of the batting order. These factors, Chopra argues, provide the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star with a distinct advantage over his peers, including India captain Rohit Sharma.
The Fitness Advantage for Virat Kohli
“The focus will be on Virat Kohli again because the guy is so fit,” Chopra stated. “The kind of fitness that he has achieved over a period of time makes him the best suited, also because he is an opener. The same is true for Rohit Sharma as well, but between the two of them, I still feel Virat Kohli has it a little easier just because of himself. That is the price he has to pay for the kind of fitness and legacy he has built.”
Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in tournament history. Playing exclusively for Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inaugural 2008 season, he holds multiple batting records verified by ESPNcricinfo.
Virat Kohli Career IPL Statistics
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 252 |
| Total Runs | 8,004 |
| Centuries | 8 |
| Most Runs in a Season | 973 (2016) |
MS Dhoni Faces a Steeper Challenge
While Kohli benefits from continuous top-flight cricket, Chopra noted that the situation is significantly more demanding for MS Dhoni. Operating well into his 40s, the former Chennai Super Kings captain must overcome extended periods of competitive inactivity.
“It is a little difficult for Dhoni as well because he is on the wrong side of 40,” Chopra explained. “For him, not to play anything for 10 months, turn up for the IPL and switch on, and also play at a number where he gets only 10-12 balls, is the toughest thing to do. Then there are also 20 overs of keeping, so his job is perhaps the toughest.”
Rohit Sharma and the Mumbai Indians Blueprint
Regarding Rohit Sharma, Chopra anticipates a continuation of his aggressive batting strategy. Backed by a high-scoring Mumbai Indians lineup, establishing an early run rate remains the primary objective for the veteran opener, a strategy frequently highlighted on the official IPL website.
“When you are part of the batting order that the Mumbai Indians have, it is mandatory to set the tone for Rohit Sharma,” Chopra added. Recognizing the depth of the Mumbai roster—which features heavy hitters designed to maximize scoring—Chopra expects Sharma to capitalize on field restrictions during the powerplay.
“You need to maximize the 20 overs, which basically means maximizing the first six overs,” Chopra concluded. “Rohit would be expected to bat the same way, see the ball, hit the ball… unless the pitch is asking you to play a slightly different brand of cricket.”