Following India's dominant nine-wicket victory over Australia in the final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), former cricketers are rallying behind the senior players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, urging the team management and fans to have faith in their experience and proven abilities. This emphatic win, highlighted by a "batting masterclass" from Sharma and Kohli, not only prevented a series whitewash but also reignited discussions about the role and future of these veterans in the Indian squad.
The performance in Sydney was a stark contrast to their showing in the first ODI in Perth, where both Sharma and Kohli had struggled, leading to criticism regarding their preparation and planning. Sharma, who had returned to international cricket after a seven-month gap, scored just 8 runs in Perth, while Kohli registered a rare duck, his first on Australian soil. This poor performance triggered concerns from former teammates Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan, who pointed out the importance of match practice, even for seasoned players.
However, the tables turned dramatically in Sydney. Sharma smashed an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, marking his 33rd ODI century and his 50th in international cricket. Kohli, on the other hand, played a steady knock of 74 not out off 81 balls, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Their unbroken 168-run partnership for the second wicket showcased their exceptional understanding and chemistry, reminiscent of their successful collaborations in the past.
The strong showing in Sydney has prompted former cricketers to speak out in support of Sharma and Kohli. They emphasize the need to look beyond occasional failures and acknowledge the immense contributions these players have made to Indian cricket over the years. Yuvraj Singh, for instance, had earlier defended the duo after India's loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reminding everyone of their past achievements and stating that they are "one of the greatest cricketers of this time".
The debate surrounding Sharma and Kohli's place in the team is not new. With the World Cup 2027 on the horizon, there have been questions about their suitability for the ODI format, especially considering their retirement from Test and T20I cricket. Some experts have suggested that they should play domestic cricket to stay in touch with the game and maintain their match fitness. Former India player Varun Aaron cited the example of MS Dhoni, who played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after retiring from Test cricket.
However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed confidence in Sharma and Kohli's form, stating that they are in "good touch" and have had adequate match practice with the white ball, including their participation in the IPL 2025. He also emphasized the importance of not interfering too much with senior players who have a wealth of experience.
The Sydney performance has undoubtedly boosted the confidence of Sharma and Kohli, as well as the team management. It has also served as a timely reminder of their enduring class and ability to perform under pressure. While discussions about their future may continue, the resounding message from former cricketers is to trust in their experience and allow them to continue contributing to Indian cricket. As Kohli emotionally stated after the match, it's "easy to bat with Rohit," highlighting the strong bond and understanding between the two legends.
