Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup for over a decade. However, their recent partnership statistics in One Day Internationals (ODIs) suggest a decline in their dominance. Their performances since 2021 raise concerns about whether this is the end of an era in Indian cricket.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have played 17 ODIs together since 2021.
- They have scored only 423 runs at an average of 24.88.
- They have managed just two 50+ partnerships in this period.
- The lack of big partnerships is affecting India’s batting stability.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI Partnership Record Since 2021
The duo’s numbers reflect a significant dip in their partnership effectiveness. While they once dominated bowling attacks, their partnership statistics in ODIs since 2021 tell a different story.
Performance Breakdown:
| Matches | Runs | Average | 50+ partnerships |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 423 | 24.88 | 2 |
Recent ODI Partnerships: Match-Wise Performance
A closer look at their last 10 ODI partnerships further highlights the inconsistency in their performances.
| Runs | Opposition | Date | Venue |
| 0 | Australia | October 8, 2023 | Chennai |
| 49 | Afghanistan | October 11, 2023 | Delhi |
| 56 | Pakistan | October 14, 2023 | Ahmedabad |
| 1 | England | October 29, 2023 | Lucknow |
| 29 | Netherlands | November 12, 2023 | Bengaluru |
| 46 | Australia | November 19, 2023 | Ahmedabad |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | August 2, 2024 | Colombo (RPS) |
| 16 | Sri Lanka | August 7, 2024 | Colombo (RPS) |
| 14 | England | February 9, 2025 | Cuttack |
| 7 | New Zealand | March 2, 2025 | Dubai (DICS) |
What Does This Mean for Indian Cricket?
The lack of strong partnerships between Kohli and Rohit has become a concern for India. Their inconsistent performances mean that India’s middle order is exposed earlier, increasing pressure on other batsmen. This decline is especially crucial with upcoming global tournaments where solid partnerships are essential for success.
Possible Reasons for Their Decline
- Age factor: Both players are in their mid-30s, which could be impacting their reflexes and coordination.
- Changing roles: With Rohit Sharma as captain, his approach may have shifted towards aggression rather than anchoring the innings.
- Bowling attacks adapting: Opponents have studied their weaknesses, leading to early dismissals.
Can They Bounce Back?
Despite the dip, both players have the experience to turn things around. If they regain form, their partnership could still be crucial for India’s chances in upcoming tournaments. Better shot selection and understanding could help restore their dominance.
The partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has been one of the most celebrated in Indian cricket history. However, their struggles since 2021 raise questions about their future as a pair in ODIs. Indian cricket fans will hope for a resurgence as the team gears up for major ICC tournaments in the coming years.
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