Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have come under the scanner for their flop show in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
Kohli began the marquee series with a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth, but he managed to amass only 90 runs in his other eight innings combined. On the other hand, Rohit managed just 31 runs in five innings at an abysmal average of 6.20 -- the lowest by a touring captain on Australian soil.
The subpar performances of the two senior players drew considerable criticism, sparking speculation about their future.
Amid the scrutiny, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has backed Kohli and Rohit to regain form and claimed that they can continue playing for India for another couple of years.
“These guys don’t need to prove anything to anybody, they are legends of the game. They are wonderful entertainers. 35 and 36 [actually 36 and 37], these guys have another couple of years,” Pietersen said while speaking to Star Sports.
Pietersen hailed Kohli as the best chaser India has ever produced. “He is the best chaser that you ever had in this country. There is no single batter in the world that has chased and won more games for the country than Virat Kohli. When he turns up, he’s gotta play.”
Pietersen, who loves both Kohli and Rohit, also revealed he had identified back in 2012 that the current Indian captain was going to be a special talent.
“I absolutely love both of them [Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma]. I remember back in 2012... I think it was a T20 or a 50-over World Cup when Rohit was making his way into the Indian team. I think there was a bit of criticism about him and I said this young kid is gonna be very very special. He needs to be looked after and be played.”
“You’ve seen that throughout his career, he was one of the first batters that went to Australia because he was one of the guys that turned up, decided if it’s gonna be short and you’re bowling 140 to me, I pull you off my nose and I’m hitting you for sixes. The guy was so good at the start and has continued to be great ever since,” he remarked.
Kohli and Rohit will return to action for India during the ODI series against England, starting on February 6 in Nagpur. The three ODIs are seen as a final dress rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.