Rohit better player than Kohli: Gibbs

Kolkata: Herschelle Gibbs on Saturday rated Rohit Sharma ahead of his India teammate Virat Kohli and said that the duo could be real matchwinners for the country in the days to come. Sharma scored a blistering 109 not out and shared an undefeated 167-run stand (from 106 balls) with Gibbs (66 not out) to guide Mumbai Indians to a comfortable 27-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL match here, which ended the home team's six-match winning run.

Having seen Sharma from close quarters in their past association with Deccan Chargers, Gibbs said that Sharma was technically more sound. Describing himself as a "fan" of Sharma, the veteran South African said: "I have seen him grow over the years. It's been five years. His cricket has definitely gone forward. Nobody questions his talent."

"Virat Kohli is another one. Definitely they have taken the cricket to another level. But as far as talent and technique is concerned, I think Rohit is a little bit better than Virat. The more Rohit plays these sort of innings, his temperament would get better. His self-belief would also increase. It's good for India that Rohit Sharma performs."

Gibbs said that Rohit Sharma is technically more sound than Virat Kohli.

"If he performs consistently along with Kohli then the two of them can be matchwinners for India both in Tests and ODIs and in Twenty20s. It's good to see him play these sort of innings. I and Rohit had a good understanding, been with him a couple of years with Deccan so we got a good momentum upfront."

"My job was to support him and ensure that he does not give his wicket away. He is good enough to get 100s," Gibbs said.

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