MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli
Full head-to-head breakdown across Test, ODI, T20I & IPL — batting, bowling and career records
MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli: Why the Stats Make This a One-Sided Comparison
Virat Kohli leads this head-to-head 3–17 across batting categories, pulling ahead convincingly — with the strongest edge coming in Test cricket, where Virat Kohli averages 46.85 compared to MS Dhoni's 38.09.
In ODI cricket, Virat Kohli leads with an average of 58.59 versus MS Dhoni's 50.58 — a significant gap of 8.01 runs per dismissal. Virat Kohli leads on total ODI runs (14,941 vs 10,773). Virat Kohli's 54 ODI centuries to MS Dhoni's 10 shows a greater ability to cash in on big starts.
In T20 Internationals, Virat Kohli holds the edge — averaging 48.7 at a strike rate of 137.05, while MS Dhoni averages 37.6 at SR 126.14. In the IPL, Virat Kohli leads with 9,336 runs versus 5,439 — a gap that reflects both opportunity and impact in franchise cricket.
Both players contribute with the ball. Virat Kohli leads on international wickets (9 vs 1 across formats), and their all-round contributions add meaningful value beyond batting averages alone.
| MS Dhoni | Stat | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
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| Inn | ||
| Runs | ||
| HS | ||
| Avg | ||
| SR | ||
| 100s | ||
| 50s | ||
| 4s | ||
| 6s | ||
| Ducks | ||
| NO |
Overall Profile — TEST
Key Stats — TEST
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The Verdict
Virat Kohli takes this comparison 3–17 across batting categories. A higher Test average (46.85 vs 38.09) and ODI average (58.59 vs 50.58) mean Virat Kohli leads in both prestige formats.
Frequently Asked — MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli leads 3–17 across the batting categories included in this comparison. Virat Kohli has the higher batting average in both Test cricket (46.85) and ODI cricket (58.59).
Virat Kohli holds the edge in ODI batting average, averaging 58.59 with 14941 runs, compared to MS Dhoni's average of 50.58 and 10773 runs. Virat Kohli has also scored more ODI centuries (54 vs 10).
In Test cricket, Virat Kohli averages 46.85 versus MS Dhoni's 38.09 — a significant gap of 8.76 runs per dismissal. Virat Kohli has accumulated 9,230 Test runs including 30 centuries.
In T20Is, Virat Kohli averages 48.7 at a strike rate of 137.05, while MS Dhoni averages 37.6 at a strike rate of 126.14. Virat Kohli has the higher strike rate (137.05 vs 126.14).
Virat Kohli leads in IPL run-scoring with 9,336 runs at a strike rate of 134.8, compared to MS Dhoni's 5,439 runs. Virat Kohli also leads in IPL sixes (316 vs 264), reflecting a more aggressive approach in franchise cricket.
Both players have contributed with the ball. Virat Kohli has taken 9 international wickets compared to MS Dhoni's 1. MS Dhoni has the lower white-ball economy rate (5.17 vs 7.105).
Both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli achieve their highest batting averages in ODIs. MS Dhoni averages 50.58 compared to Virat Kohli's 58.59 in that format.
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