Kohli has better chance of scoring century than Rohit: Pujara drops big verdict

Virat Kohli, left, and Rohit Sharma

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Virat Kohli has a better chance than Rohit Sharma of scoring a century in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.Pujara feels Kohli's position at number three gives him more time to settle in and build an innings.

Rohit, meanwhile, usually has the responsibility of giving India an aggressive start during the powerplay, though Pujara believes his role could change in New Zealand conditions.

“The way Rohit bats, he has a role of providing good starts in the powerplay. In New Zealand, maybe that role changes, so he could go for a century. But for Virat, the chances are slightly higher because he bats at number three. 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," the former India batter said."The opener’s role is also defined, but in New Zealand conditions, that changes a bit. So, I feel Virat has more chances of scoring a hundred in New Zealand than Rohit,” Pujara told JioStar, as quoted by news agency IANS.

Pujara also expects the five-match series to be closely contested. He believes New Zealand could have a slight advantage because India will field different combinations in the first three matches and the last two.

While Pujara is backing India to do well in the first three games, he expects the team to face a tougher challenge in the remaining fixtures.“Two-all. 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. 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. And it rains in New Zealand, so probably one match will be a washout,” he added.