R Ashwin compared Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s contrasting batting styles ahead of IPL 2026, highlighting control versus flair after Kohli’s unbeaten 69.
R Ashwin analysed the contrasting styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before IPL 2026. He shared his views ahead of the Mumbai Indians’ match with the Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium.
Kohli had already made an impact for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 69 not out from 38 balls in a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Ashwin explained the difference in their batting approaches. He noted Kohli prefers controlling the innings and setting the tempo. Rohit, in contrast, looks to attack from the start with flair.
“Look, I think contrasting personalities in many ways. Virat loves to make those runs. He wants to be the center stage. He wants to do things in a certain way. While Rohit is slightly different, he loves to be a lot more flamboyant and wants to take on the bowlers from the start. I don’t think he’s going to change one bit this season,” Ashwin said.
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Notably, the Mumbai Indians batter has scored over 7000 runs in the league. He also holds the record for most sixes by an Indian. Meanwhile, Kohli remains IPL’s top run-scorer with 8730 runs in 268 matches. He also holds records for most runs in a season and most centuries.
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