Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf Khan has once again stirred the ongoing debate about the best batter in world cricket by rating India’s captain Rohit Sharma higher than both Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Khan, who has seen the rise of Babar Azam and his comparisons to Virat Kohli from the fans, believes that while both are exceptional talents, Rohit Sharma is currently the best batter in world cricket. His remarks have drawn attention as the debate surrounding the three cricketers’ performances continues to heat up.
Abdur Rauf Khan, in his interview with Times of India, elaborated on the qualities that set the three batters apart. While acknowledging the immense skill of Kohli, he praised his consistency, class, and ability to deliver under pressure. “Both are great players, but in my opinion, Virat Kohli has no comparison. His class, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure set him apart,” Khan remarked. Kohli’s remarkable career has made him one of the most consistent players in world cricket, and his reputation as a dependable match-winner has only been solidified over the years. However, despite his praises for Kohli, Khan made it clear that his personal preference lies with Rohit Sharma, calling him the best batter in the world today.
Khan's admiration for Rohit Sharma’s skills stems from the Indian captain’s remarkable ability to perform across formats and the sheer consistency he has displayed over the years. According to Khan, despite Rohit facing a rough patch since September 2024, where he only managed 164 runs in eight matches during India’s extended Test season, his overall batting prowess cannot be denied. Rohit’s recent century against England — a dazzling 119 runs off 90 balls with 12 fours and seven sixes — silenced his critics and proved that he is still one of the best in the game. Khan believes that Rohit’s ability to play with such flair and skill in high-pressure situations puts him ahead of both Kohli and Babar, despite their obvious brilliance. He added, “Personally, my favourite batsman [batter] is Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit is currently the best batsman [batter] in world cricket. He is way better than Virat and Babar.”
Khan also touched upon Babar Azam’s skills, acknowledging that Babar, when in form, is an outstanding batsman. Babar has made a name for himself with his stylish and composed batting, often drawing comparisons to Kohli for his ability to anchor the innings and chase big totals. However, Khan still favors Rohit for his all-around abilities and the consistency he has shown over a longer period, especially in crucial matches and high-stakes tournaments.
Rohit Sharma’s inconsistency in 2024 had caused some concern among fans, but his recent century has revived hope. His explosive batting style and penchant for scoring quick runs in all formats of the game make him a valuable asset for India, especially in limited-overs formats. The recent match against England, where he played a blistering knock, was a much-needed statement of intent from Rohit, and it reinforced the belief that he is still the most dangerous batter in world cricket. Khan believes that Rohit’s form will only improve further, as the Indian opener has a knack for turning up when it matters the most.
In addition to discussing the individual performances of Kohli, Babar, and Rohit, Abdur Rauf Khan also gave his thoughts on the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash scheduled for February 23, 2025, in Dubai. Khan explained that predicting the outcome of any India vs Pakistan match is always a challenge because of the intense pressure and rivalry involved. "You can never predict the outcome of an India vs Pakistan match. It’s always a high-pressure game, and it’s not just India and Pakistan — fans from all over the world are invested in this contest. Both teams are strong, so making a prediction is difficult," he said.
The clash between India and Pakistan is one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups in world cricket, given the history and rivalry between the two nations. The significance of the match has always been heightened by passionate fans, media coverage, and the high-stakes nature of the encounters. Khan, however, noted that with India’s key pacer Jasprit Bumrah absent for this match, it would be more challenging for India to assert their dominance over Pakistan, as Bumrah has often been the go-to bowler in crucial moments.
“A month ago, if you had asked me, I would have confidently said that India had the upper hand with Bumrah in the squad. But now, with his absence, it’s much harder to call. He was instrumental in India’s victories in the last Asia Cup and World Cup,” Khan remarked. Bumrah’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void in India’s bowling attack, as his ability to deliver in the most pressure-filled situations has been vital to India’s success in major tournaments. Khan believes that without Bumrah, both teams are evenly matched, and it will come down to who can seize the critical moments on the day.
The India vs Pakistan encounter will see both teams at their best, with India looking to bounce back from previous defeats and Pakistan aiming to continue their dominance in the ICC Champions Trophy history, where they have beaten India three out of five times. However, India holds the upper hand in their recent ODI encounters, having won five out of the last six completed matches. This sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating contest, as both teams will be determined to come out on top.
As both teams prepare for the clash, all eyes will be on the key players — including Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Babar Azam, and the supporting cast — to see who will rise to the occasion and help their team clinch victory. The absence of Bumrah adds a new layer of uncertainty for India, while Pakistan will look to exploit this potential weakness in their arch-rivals' lineup. Fans from both sides will be eagerly awaiting the contest, hoping their team can deliver the goods and take one step closer to supremacy in world cricket.
