After India's magnificent series victory following a win in the third and final ODI of the series against South Africa, star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stole the limelight with a fantastic display with the bat. While Rohit Sharma got a couple of crucial half-centuries in the Ranchi and Visakhapatnam, Virat looked in a different run of form, with two consecutive centuries and an unbeaten 65 in the last match.
Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Bangar noted that he did not have
a single hint of doubt about the place of the duo even before the series started. Bangar feels that the experience of the seasoned campaigners is enough for them to find rhythm and score runs to contribute their best to the team's success.
“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 further said that exceptional batters like Rohit and Virat need to be handled differently by the team management, given the immense amount of experience they possess. He further assumed that the motivational words from the duo to the other team members must have exuded confidence into the dugout, especially after 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,” Bangar added.
The next assignment for Rohitand Virat will be during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, where they will play three matches: first ODI in Vadodara, second ODI in Rajkot, and third ODI in Indore, with an aim to carry their current form. Both the players may also turn up for some domestic action with the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
