The batting pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has often been India’s go-to for building and finishing big run-chases in one-day internationals (ODIs). When the two of them click, the opponent feels the pressure, and the scoreboard ticks at pace.
Here we look at five of their best partnerships while chasing, that stood out not only for their size but also for how they changed the course of a game.
5. 202 runs vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata (Eden Gardens, 2014)
On one of the biggest grounds in India, Eden Gardens, Rohit and Kohli came together after early trouble. They managed 202 for a partnership before Kohli fell for 66, and then Rohit went on to make his legendary 264. This stand not only rescued India’s innings but also laid the foundation for one of the greatest individual scores in ODI history.
4. 207 runs vs Australia, Perth (2016)
In tough conditions at Perth, Ro-Ko played a brilliant innings together. India lost an early wicket, but the pair steadied things and added 207 runs for the second wicket. Kohli scored 91, while Rohit remained unbeaten on 171. Though India didn’t win the match, the partnership stood out for sheer quality of batting under tough conditions.
3. 219 runs vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (2017)
It came in tough conditions away from home. India lost an early wicket, but Ro-Ko steadied the innings and kept the team on track. They scored at more than seven an over and added 219 runs for the second wicket. Kohli made a strong century first, and Rohit followed with another well-crafted hundred. The pair showed they can do it even in difficult venues.
Watch: Match Highlights
2. 230 runs vs New Zealand, Kanpur (29 Oct 2017)
In a tough game against New Zealand, Ro-Ko once again proved their strength under pressure. After losing an early wicket, they stitched 230 runs together for the second wicket. Rohit scored 147, Kohli 113, and India put up a big total of 337 for 6. Their partnership showed that even if the team loses early momentum, they can steady things and build a strong platform for victory.
1. 246 runs vs West Indies, Guwahati (21 Oct 2018)
India were set a tough target of 323 by West Indies. After an early wicket, Rohit and Kohli came together and tore apart the bowling. Rohit ended unbeaten on 152, Kohli made 140, and the duo added an astonishing 246 runs for the second wicket. India reached the target comfortably in just 42.1 overs. This partnership underlined how powerful the “Ro-Ko” combo can be when set early and unbroken.
Why These Partnerships Matter
These partnerships were special because they came when India needed stability while chasing. Whenever Rohit and Kohli batted well together, India didn’t just look to survive, they looked ready to win.
The pair showed versatility: whether it was high-scoring conditions or difficult away pitches, they adapted and built momentum. Their partnerships frequently came after early wickets or pressure situations. This ability to absorb the shock and rebuild speaks to their calibre as batters. In all these matches, when the “Ro-Ko” combo clicked, India almost always emerged victorious or reached a very competitive total.
Written by: Manjunath