Why golden oldies Rohit and Kohli needs space and different treatment
Amidst doubts of their form and fitness, the former India captains have cracked three centuries (two from Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit) between them in the last six ODIs.
New Delhi: Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s quality and track record is beyond doubt, their futures don’t deserve to be a topic of speculation, feels former India batting Sanjay Bangar.
Amidst doubts of their form and fitness, the former India captains have cracked three centuries (two from Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit) between them in the last six ODIs.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, BCCI’s selectors are believed to be sceptical of their ability to maintain desired level demanded to play in only one-format in international cricket but Bangar doesn’t agree to that though process.
"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," Bangar told JioStar.
"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. You have to treat them differently and give them space," Bangar said, clear about why there needs to be a different yardstick for the two white-ball legends.
‘Lift in atmosphere’
In their 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa, Rohit, 38, scored 57 and 75 in the first and third matches while 37-year-old Kohli smashes of 135, 102 and 65 not out to be be adjudged player of the series.
"When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere." former India all-rounder Bangar said.
He has worked with Kohli at reigning IPL champions RCB believes that the veteran duo must have cheered up the younger members who were part of an embarrassing Test series whitewash against the Proteas prior to the ODI series.
"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 said.