Travis Head Makes Big Claim: ‘Virat Kohli Is Greatest White-Ball Player, Rohit Sharma Not…’ | Cricket News

Travis Head praises Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

(PC: AFP)

Australia’s superstar opener, Travis Head on Friday (October 17), called India legend Virat Kohli the ‘greatest white-ball player’, adding that his long-time team-mate Rohit Sharma is ‘not far behind’.

He was asked about playing against them in the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and Australia, which begins on Sunday in Perth, in a joint-press conference with the visitors’ all-rounder, Axar Patel. This is the first time Kohli and Rohit will play for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy, and given their respective ages, likely the last time they’d represent their country in Australia.

“They have been awesome for India, I guess Axar can speak more highly about them than I,” Head told the media. “But [they are] two quality players, two of the great white-ball players. Virat is probably the greatest white-ball player. Rohit is probably not far behind,” he added.

Head went on to speak more highly of Rohit’s ODI record and even said he believes that both Rohit and Kohli will play on till the 2027 World Cup. It’s not as certain as that, which is why it has become a big debatable topic in India. Head, perhaps knowing that, even gave a cheeky look to Axar when he brought that up.

“As someone who opens the batting in the same format, I have huge regard for what Rohit has been able to do. I am sure they will be missed at some stage, but I think they both are going until 2027, (looking at Axar) — aren’t they? It is great for the game that they are still playing the format,” he added.

Axar Patel: Kohli, Rohit are ready to go

Axar was also asked about Kohli and Rohit’s preparations and readiness, and he had nothing but positive things to say, too.

“They are world-class players. They know what to do, and they are ready to go. They are professionals and they know what to do. They are ready to go,” said Axar Patel. “If you speak about their form, they have been preparing well, hence I think they are ready… Everyone has given their fitness Test, they are raring to go now,” he added.

Both Kohli and Rohit have exceptional records in Australia. Kohli has 1327 runs in 29 innings here, with five centuries and six fifties, at 51.04, while Rohit has just one run extra in one additional inning, with the same number of centuries, four fifties, and an average of 53.12.