- Pujara backs Kohli against Rohit for New Zealand ODI century and predicts a 2-2 series result. Cheteshwar Pujara says Virat Kohli’s number three gives him a better chance of a century than Rohit Sharma in New Zealand conditions.
- Virat Kohli (Source: BCCI) Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said Virat Kohli has a slightly better chance than Rohit Sharma of scoring a century in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand to be played in Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Hamilton and Wellington from November 4-15, 2026.
- Pujara explained his reasoning by pointing out the different demands that New Zealand conditions place on an opener compared to a number three.
Pujara backs Kohli against Rohit for New Zealand ODI century and predicts a 2-2 series result. Cheteshwar Pujara says Virat Kohli’s number three gives him a better chance of a century than Rohit Sharma in New Zealand conditions.
Virat Kohli (Source: BCCI) Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said Virat Kohli has a slightly better chance than Rohit Sharma of scoring a century in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand to be played in Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Hamilton and Wellington from November 4-15, 2026. Pujara explained his reasoning by pointing out the different demands that New Zealand conditions place on an opener compared to a number three. Normally, Rohit sets the tone in the powerplay with aggressive batters at the top, but Pujara noted that the role could change in these conditions, giving Rohit a chance to build up to longer innings.
Nevertheless, Pujara felt that Kohli’s position at number three, where an anchor role is more suited to the ODI format, tipped the scales in his favour. “The way Rohit bats is to ensure good starts in the powerplay. In New Zealand this role may be changing so that it could continue for another century.
But for Virat, the chances are a bit higher as he bats at number three. His game is more about playing the role of anchor. So, for a batsman ranked at number three, it becomes a little easier to score a century in the ODI format.
The role of fly-half is also defined, but in New Zealand conditions this changes somewhat. So I think Virat has a better chance of scoring 100 in New Zealand than Rohit,” Pujara said on JioStar. Why does Pujara give Kohli a century?
Pujara’s assessment is based on the structural difference between opening and batting at number three in one-day cricket. An opener has to react immediately to the new ball and in New Zealand the conditions may require a more measured proach than usual, which can disrupt the natural rhythm of a player like Rohit, who thrives on aggression in the powerplay. Both players arrive in strong ODI form.
Kohli amassed 168 runs in three innings against the West Indies, highlighted by an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, while chasing a target of 296 in the opening match. Rohit, on the other hand, amassed 225 runs in three innings against the same opponent at an average of 75.00, equivalent to a century, and a maximum of 101 at a strike rate of over 115. How does Pujara see the end of the five-match series?
Pujara not only discussed each century but also expressed his views on the overall outcome of the series. He highlighted the spread of the Indian team across the five matches as a notable factor, with one group playing the first three ODIs and another group of players taking charge of the last two before a Test began in Wellington on November 19. According to Pujara, this rotation gives New Zealand a structural advantage as the hosts face a cohesive line-up while India fields two virtually different teams.
He supported India in the first three games but admitted the last two would be more difficult. He also took New Zealand’s weather into account, pointing out that rain could wipe out at least one game. One team plays in the first three games and another Indian team plays in the last two games.
So I think New Zealand have a slight advantage because they don’t play the same team in all five games. I still support the Indian team in the first three games as I think they will do well. The last two games might be a bit of a challenge, but it will be a hard-fought series.
And it is raining in New Zealand so a game is likely to fail,” Pujara said.
