Following India’s amazing series triumph over South Africa in the third and final ODI, star batsman Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stole the show with a spectacular display with the bat. While Rohit Sharma scored two critical half-centuries in Ranchi and Visakhapatnam, Virat appeared to be in a different groove, with two straight centuries and an unbeaten 65 in the final match.
Ex-India player and commentator Sanjay Bangar has said he never had any such doubts about the status of the pair even before the start of the series. The ex-cricketer believes that the experienced players can hit their stride and put runs on board, so as to benefit the team’s cause.
“I don’t think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years. They have retired from two formats, so it’s obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don’t need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality,” Bangar said on JioStar Cricket Live.
The former India batting coach went on to say that elite batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be treated differently by team management due to their extensive experience. He also presumed that the duo’s motivational statements to the other squad members must have instilled confidence in the dugout, particularly following the series loss in Tests.
“You have to treat them differently and give them space. When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere. After the humiliating loss in the Test series, they must have spoken to the boys. They helped put things behind and play with freedom and authority, giving the whole team supreme confidence.”
Sanjay Bangar
Rohit and Virat’s next assignment will be the three-ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore as they would look to continue their form. In fact, both the players might as well turn out in domestic matches including the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
