Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently preparing for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting from January 11 in Vadodara. While fans are expecting a tough fight between the two teams, there will also be a battle for the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
Currently, Rohit Sharma is the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world. Virat Kohli is right behind him at No. 2, with only eight points separating the two modern-era giants. Since the margin is very small, the India-New Zealand ODI series next week could decide who sits on top.
Virat Kohli doesn’t like being number 2 – AB de Villiers
In a revelation, former South Africa great and Virat Kohli’s close friend AB de Villiers has claimed that the Indian superstar “hates” to see himself ranked No. 2 in the ICC ODI batting rankings, while Rohit Sharma is the No. 1 ODI batsman in the world.
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The former RCB icon reckoned that Kohli must be fully aware of Rohit’s No. 1 position and will be highly motivated to challenge for that top spot in the upcoming New Zealand series. ABD said that considering his competitive nature, Kohli would not be happy to see Rohit at the top.
AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel: “Rohit is the No. 1 ODI batsman in the world right now, and believe me, Virat would be aware of that. There’s a healthy competition there as No. 1 and 2 batsmen in the world. Virat doesn’t like being No. 2. Yes, they are teammates, and they are friends, but I think Virat will be successful in it (becoming No. 1).”
A healthy rivalry, not a rift
The Proteas legend stressed that even though Rohit and Virat are teammates and share a good bond, they will be eager to defeat each other and that kind of competition is always at the highest level. He also said that Rohit will be equally determined to protect his No. 1 ranking.
De Villiers further explained, “They will never talk about it, but they will know about it. Rohit would like to be No. 1 and Virat would like to be No. 1. It is a healthy competition within a team that you want. It is great for Team India to have two of the greatest players, No. 1 and 2. The team will only benefit from their healthy competition.”
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AB de Villiers highlights India’s unseen batting rivalry
AB de Villiers also pointed out that the competition is not just between the players who are in the playing eleven, adding that the batsmen sitting out also know where they are aiming for. The former South Africa captain shared, in a strong team like India, especially in white-ball cricket, players are always aware of the competition around them.
He concluded by saying, “It is similar to a tour of a team of 15 players. The batsman who is not playing will know who his main opponent is and who he needs to handle to get more playing time. You never talk about it, but you are aware of it, and that is what you work towards.”