Pujara backs Kohli over Rohit for New Zealand ODI century

Cheteshwar Pujara said Virat Kohli has a slightly better chance than Rohit Sharma of scoring an ODI century in New Zealand, pointing to Kohli’s role at No. 3 and Sharma’s responsibilities as an opener. The assessment comes ahead of India’s five-match series against New Zealand, scheduled for November 4-15, 2026. Pujara’s comparison is an opinion about how the batters’ roles may suit conditions, not a confirmed prediction. He said Sharma’s focus on providing starts in the powerplay could change in New Zealand, while Kohli’s anchoring role at No. 3 could make it easier to build an innings to a hundred. Kohli has scored 596 runs in 13 ODI innings played in New Zealand, averaging 49.66, with one century and four half-centuries. His overall record against New Zealand, including matches played elsewhere, is 1,897 runs in 36 matches at an average of 57.48, comprising seven centuries and 10 fifties. The series opens at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4 and concludes at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 15. The five day-night matches are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time. India and New Zealand are also set to play in Wellington and Hamilton during the series, with Bay...