India, Jan. 12 -- Rohit Sharma's ODI batting has always been defined by one instinct: take the game away early. For years, that intent wasn't just visible in his shot-selection; it was measurable in his scoring rate. While he was India's ODI captain, Rohit operated at a strike-rate of 111.97 - a number that fits his leadership-era template of powerplay dominance and relentless pressure.

The trend since India's ODI captaincy moved on, however, is not a simple form dip. It is a role and rhythm shift - and it shows up sharply when Rohit's tempo is placed against Virat Kohli's in the same post-handover window.

When Rohit was ODI captain:

After Rohit's captaincy ended (Australia 2025 ODIs + South Africa 2025 ODIs + New Zealand 2026 1st ODI)...