Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has highlighted Virat Kohli's exceptional ability to convert starts into match-winning scores, suggesting this consistency gives him a distinct advantage over opener Rohit Sharma in the ODI format. Following Kohli's impressive 93 off 91 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand, Kaif emphasized that once Kohli crosses the 30 or 40 run mark, he possesses the temperament and skill to anchor the innings and see the team through to victory.
Kohli's career conversion rate stands at an impressive 40.76%, having turned 53 of his 130 fifty-plus scores into centuries. This ability to maximize his time at the crease is a hallmark of his batting style, ensuring that promising starts rarely go to waste. This consistency is crucial for the Royal Challengers Bangalore star, especially as India looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kaif noted that while both players are vital to the Indian setup, Kohli's reliability in building big innings sets him apart. This sustained excellence, even in the latter stages of his career, underscores why the veteran batter recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, reinforcing his legacy as one of the format's greatest run-scorers.
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“Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match, and, if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always been ahead of Rohit Sharma.”
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"Everything's going to plan. We took a few extra weeks once we couldn't make the Test matches. I had a couple of bowls off the half-run last week. Running's going well, all the strength stuff's going well so, yeah, on track,”
“If I look back at my whole journey then it is nothing short of a dream come true for me. If I am being brutally honest, the way I’m playing right now, I’m not thinking about milestones at all,”
The veteran, after retiring from the other forms, continues to dictate 50-over cricket. Kohli’s return to the No. 1 spot comes on the back of a consistent run in the 50-over format, where he has continued to anchor India’s batting with trademark control and composure.

“Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match, and, if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always been ahead of Rohit Sharma.”