Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are white-ball legends of Indian cricket and their future should not be based on performance in any one series. Furthermore, he has also passed harsh judgment on the batsmen, possibly missing out on runs on his ODI comeback.
India will face Australia in a three-match ODI series, the first match of which will be played in Perth on Sunday. This game will mark the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are both part of the 15-member Indian squad.
“Three matches won’t decide their future” – Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s comeback
In the latest video shared on his YouTube channel, former cricketer Aakash Chopra mentioned his opinion on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after they did not perform well in the three ODIs against the Australian team.
“One thing is clear – three matches will not decide their future. They cannot even decide their present because they have a huge, wonderful legacy. Their job is too big. So how can you say that if three matches are not good then you can drop them and if they do well in three matches then you can keep them in the team?” He replied
Chopra further said that there should be no speculation about modern batting greats and their future.
He said, “I am not going to be in that kind of boat or ship, and I will not speculate or speculate at all because that should not be done at all. Just think about it, we are talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are absolute white-ball legends.”
“Suddenly, a ball may come where they are out” – Aakash Chopra
While Virat Kohli has scored 14,181 runs at an average of 58, Rohit Sharma has scored 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76 in 290 and 265 ODI innings respectively. However, in the same video, Aakash Chopra admitted that Rohit and Kohli would not be able to score runs in the first game.
He said, “I think Perth may not have a good start. It is a big possibility because it is an Optus pitch, there is a lot of bounce and both are coming completely cold and suddenly a ball may come where they get out. If that happens, then it is fine. Then come Adelaide and Sydney.”
Chopra announced a big decision on Ro-Co’s future, saying, “They will also play the South Africa and New Zealand series.”
However, the cricketer-turned-commentator said questions should be raised about the pair’s future if they fail to find form in two or more series. Apart from this, India has to play South Africa and New Zealand after the conclusion of the Australia series.
“I want runs to be scored, but, God forbid, even if that doesn’t happen, I don’t think it will make any immediate difference in their lives. They will also play the South Africa and New Zealand series, and if we are still discussing this at the time when two series have passed, and if they don’t score runs in the third too, then I will consider the question,” Chopra elaborated.
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