Pujara backs Kohli over Rohit for centuries in India-NZ ODI series
Synopsis
Cheteshwar Pujara has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli over Rohit Sharma in the century race for India's New Zealand ODI series — and his reasoning goes beyond batting average. With India set to rotate two different XIs across a five-game series, Pujara also predicts a 2-2 draw and at least one washout, handing New Zealand a structural edge.
Key Takeaways
Cheteshwar Pujara says Virat Kohli has a higher chance of scoring centuries than Rohit Sharma in the India vs New Zealand ODI series .
Pujara attributes Kohli's edge to his number-three batting position and anchor role in ODIs.
He notes New Zealand conditions may alter Rohit's powerplay role, potentially giving the opener more scoring opportunities.
Pujara predicts a 2-2 series result , with at least one match likely to be washed out by rain.
India are set to field different combinations in the first three and final two matches, which Pujara says gives New Zealand a slight overall advantage.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Virat Kohli to outscore Rohit Sharma in the century tally during the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, citing Kohli's batting position and anchor role as decisive advantages. Pujara shared his assessment in an interview with JioStar.
Why Pujara Favours Kohli at Number Three
Pujara's reasoning centres on the structural demands of each batter's role. Kohli, who bats at number three, typically has the luxury of building a lengthy innings without the pressure of setting the powerplay tone. Rohit, as an opener, is generally tasked with aggressive early scoring — a role that, in Pujara's view, does not lend itself as naturally to century-making.
'His game is more about playing the anchor role. So, for a batsman coming in at number three, scoring a century in the ODI format becomes a bit easier,' Pujara said.
New Zealand Conditions Could Alter Rohit's Powerplay Role
Pujara did acknowledge that New Zealand pitches may force a tactical adjustment for Rohit. He noted that conditions there could change the nature of the opener's powerplay responsibility, potentially giving Rohit a better chance to convert starts into larger scores. 'In New Zealand, maybe that role changes, so he could go for a century,' Pujara said — though he maintained that Kohli's odds remain higher overall.
Series Prediction: 2-2 With a Likely Washout
Looking at the series as a whole, Pujara forecast a 2-2 split across the five ODIs, with at least one match potentially lost to rain. His prediction is shaped by a significant squad rotation India are reportedly set to employ — with one combination playing the first three matches and a different group fielding in the final two.
'In the first three matches, one team is playing, and then, in the last two matches, another Indian team is going to play. So, I think New Zealand have a slight advantage because you aren't playing the same team in all five matches,' Pujara said.
India's Prospects Across the Two Legs
Despite predicting a draw, Pujara expressed confidence in India's first-choice XI for the opening three fixtures. He believes the squad selected for that leg will perform well, while cautioning that the concluding two matches — likely featuring fringe or rested players — could be more competitive for the hosts.
'I'm still backing the Indian team in the first three matches, as I feel they will do well. The last two matches could be a bit of a challenge, but it will be a hard-fought series,' he added. He also noted that rain is a persistent factor in New Zealand, suggesting at least one match could be washed out. The series outcome could have implications for India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations and the teams' relative ODI rankings heading into the next cycle.
Point of View
And Kohli's anchor role at number three has historically yielded longer innings than Rohit's explosive opener format. What is underreported is the squad-rotation issue Pujara flags: fielding two different Indian XIs across a five-game series is an unusual tactical choice that effectively concedes the final two matches to New Zealand. If India split the series 2-2, the cricket establishment will need to examine whether rotation at this stage of ICC cycle preparation is strategic depth or unnecessary risk.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Pujara think Kohli has more chances of scoring a century than Rohit in New Zealand?
Pujara believes Kohli's batting position at number three, which demands an anchor role, gives him a better opportunity to build a long innings and convert it into a century. Rohit's opener role, focused on powerplay aggression, does not lend itself as naturally to century-making, though Pujara noted New Zealand conditions could alter that dynamic.
What is Pujara's prediction for the India vs New Zealand ODI series result?
Pujara predicts a 2-2 result across the five-match series, with at least one match likely to be washed out due to rain in New Zealand. He believes India will perform well in the first three matches but expects a tougher contest in the final two.
Why does Pujara think New Zealand has a slight advantage in the series?
Pujara pointed to India's reported plan to field different team combinations in the first three and last two matches. He argued that not playing the same XI throughout the series gives New Zealand a structural edge, as the hosts can prepare more consistently against a settled opposition lineup.
How many ODIs are there in the India vs New Zealand series?
The series comprises five ODIs. Pujara expects India's stronger combination to feature in the first three matches and a rotated squad to play the final two, which he says will make the latter fixtures more competitive for New Zealand.
Who is Cheteshwar Pujara and why does his opinion on this series matter?
Cheteshwar Pujara is a former India Test batter widely regarded as one of the best anchors in Indian cricket history. His reading of batting roles and conditions carries significant authority, and his assessment of Kohli vs Rohit in New Zealand ODIs reflects deep technical insight into white-ball game plans.
