While Harbhajan Singh is confident that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will score heavily in Australia, Ravi Shastri says it all depends on their form, fitness and hunger
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Pics/AFP
Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that the returning senior pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will score piles of runs in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19.
Harbhajan Singh
The duo will play under new ODI captain Shubman Gill, who has replaced Rohit Sharma. “I genuinely felt he still had four to five years left in him, not just to play, but to dominate, because that’s the kind of batter he is. He’s now heading to Australia, his favourite place to bat, and I’m sure he’ll show his mettle there once again,” Harbhajan told JioHotstar.
“We’ve seen him score tons of runs in those conditions before, and he’ll do it again. The same goes for Rohit; I’m looking forward to both these legends scoring heavily for India and helping the team win matches,” Harbhajan said, adding that Kohli will score two centuries in the ODI series, as he likes to bat Down Under. “Some players thrive when things get difficult; that’s when they bring out their best. And Virat Kohli is one of those players. He shines on big occasions, and that’s what sets him apart from others,” the former off-spinner added.
Ravi Shastri
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s hopes of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup hinge on “form, fitness and hunger” with the upcoming series against Australia being an important test of all three aspects.
The 63-year-old, who coached India from 2017 and 2021, said both stalwarts need a strong series against Australia to cement their places.
“That’s why they’re here [playing the ODI series against Australia],” Shastri was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch here.“They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it’s their call,” he added.
Rohit and Kohli last represented India at the ICC Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates in February. While Rohit was named Player of the Match in the final, Kohli featured among the top five batters, repeatedly leading India to victory throughout the tournament.
1328
No. of runs scored by Rohit Sharma in 30 ODIs in Australia @ 53.12
1327
No. of runs scored by Virat Kohli in 29 ODIs in Australia @ 51.03
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