Among fans and analysts trying to find out ‘who is the best?’ between Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul, there are three episodes that stand out as marks of the rivalry’s beginning between these two cricket titans.
The first episodes in Kohli vs Rahul rivalry started in 2021, when India against England. In this match, Virat Kohli set a new benchmark in T20I cricket.
Kohli scoring an unbeaten 80 off 52 balls, Kohli surpassed KL Rahul’s previous record of 224 runs in a five-match series against New Zealand.
Another episodes of KL Rahul vs Kohli rivalry shown in 2022. When KL Rahul etched his name in T20 cricket history by becoming the fastest India player to reach 6000 runs in the format.
Achieving this milestone in 166 innings, 18 innings fewer than Kohli, Rahul demonstrated his batting prowess and consistency to adapt across different formats.
Fans and analyst continue to looking ‘who has better performances’ after both Kohli and Rahul shattered records with their sizzling tons against Pakistan, in Asia Cup 2023.
In a display of sheer dominance, they put together an unbeaten 233-run stand, the highest in the history of the ODI Asia Cup. Kohli’s 122 not out and Rahul’s 111 not out is a proof of a solid partnership.
In this article, let’s explore more about the rivalry between Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul, through their stats and records, to find out ‘who is the best?
Who Has a Better Performance: Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul?
In the world of cricket, few names have risen to the forefront of the sport as prominently as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
Both players have carved out remarkable careers, showcasing their exceptional skills and contributing significantly to their teams’ successes.
But when it comes to comparing their performances, who stands out as the superior player between Kohli vs Rahul?
The Highlights of Virat Kohli’s Cricket Career
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
His international debut for India came in 2008, and since then, he has been a vital part of the India cricket team.
Kohli’s career is marked by numerous records and achievements, both in international and domestic cricket.
International Career
- Test Cricket: In 111 matches, Kohli has scored 8,676 runs at an average of 49.29, including 29 centuries and 29 half-centuries.
- ODI Cricket: He has played 292 ODIs, scoring 13,848 runs at an impressive average of 58.67. His ODI career includes 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries.
- T20I Cricket: In T20Is, Kohli has amassed 4,008 runs in 115 matches at an average of 52.73.
IPL Career
Kohli has been a one-team man, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2008. In the IPL, he has played 237 matches, scoring 7,263 runs at an average of 37.25, including 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries.
The Highlights of KL Rahul’s Cricket Career
KL Rahul, born on April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, is another prominent figure in modern cricket.
He made his international debut for India in 2014 and has been a versatile player, contributing as a right-handed batsman and occasionally as a wicket keeper.
International Career
- Test Cricket: Rahul has played 47 Test matches, scoring 2,642 runs at an average of 33.44, including 7 centuries and 13 half-centuries.
- ODI Cricket: In ODIs, he has scored 2,743 runs in 72 matches at an average of 50.79, with 7 centuries and 17 half-centuries.
- T20I Cricket: Rahul has accumulated 2,265 runs in 72 T20I matches at an average of 37.75.
IPL Career
Rahul has played for several teams in the IPL, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.
In his IPL career, he has played 118 matches, scoring 4,163 runs at an average of 46.78, including 4 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
KL Rahul vs Virat Kohli: Who is Better?
The comparison between Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul brings into focus two of India’s prominent cricketers, each with their unique strengths and career achievements. Here’s a detailed look at their statistics to understand their impact on the game:
Experience and Longevity
Kohli’s career spans from 2008, giving him more years at the international level compared to Rahul, who started in 2014. The difference in their international debut years also reflects in the number of matches played and overall experience.
Performance in Test Cricket
Kohli has a significantly higher number of runs, centuries, and a better average in Test cricket, indicating his consistency and dominance in the format. While, Rahul having a respectable record, trails behind Kohli in terms of runs, centuries, and average.
Role and Batting Style
Kohli, primarily a top-order batter, is known for his aggressive and versatile batting across all formats. Meanwhile, Rahul, who also keeps wickets, has shown versatility but is yet to reach the heights of Kohli’s achievements.
Impact and Legacy
Kohli is often regarded as one of the best batsmen of his era, with numerous records and accolades to his name. While, Rahul is still carving out his legacy, showing promise but needing more time to reach the level of acclaim as Kohli.
Final Words on Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul
When comparing Kohli vs Rahul, several factors come into play. Kohli’s international career, particularly in ODIs, is unparalleled, with a staggering number of centuries and a high average.
His consistency and ability to play big innings under pressure have set him apart. In T20 cricket, both have shown exceptional skills, but Kohli’s higher average and run tally give him an edge.
In Test cricket, Kohli again leads with a higher average and more centuries. Rahul, while a talented Test player, has not yet reached the same heights as Kohli in the longest format.
In the IPL, both players have been phenomenal, with Kohli having a slightly lower average but more runs and centuries than Rahul.
Rahul’s consistency in the IPL is noteworthy, but Kohli’s ability to play match-winning innings in high-pressure situations is remarkable.
In conclusion, in the debate ‘who is better’ between Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul, both are integral to the India cricket team, Kohli’s extensive career, higher averages, and numerous records place him at a different level of cricketing excellence.
