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Former India batter Robin Uthappa was surprised to see head coach Gautam Gambhir not praising senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the press conference. Kohli scored 302 runs including two centuries whereas Rohit scored 146 runs including two fifties in the three-ODI series. Uthappa feels it is strange that they were not mentioned in the press conference.
"What I found surprising is the post-match of that series, in the press conference, I didn't see Gautam giving credit to either Rohit or Virat. Here are a couple of guys who've batted out of their skins and shown us how good they are and how good they can be. They reduced all kinds of doubts and shut down any naysayers about what they actually can do and will do for India when they are in the right kind of form. That felt strange," Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
While one-format players Rohit and Kohli have proved their mettle in the 50-over format in the last two ODI series, Gambhir remains tight-lipped on their chances of playing in the ODI World Cup 2027 on South Africa soil.
"First you got to realise that the ODI World Cup is two years away. It’s important to stay in the present. They are world-class players and their experience is important in the dressing room. They’ve been doing it for a long time. Hopefully, they can continue doing the same, which is going to be important in the 50-over format," said Gambhir after the 2-1 series win over the Proteas.
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Rohit no.1, Kohli no.2 in rankings
After two centuries and an unbeaten fifty, Kohli climbed to the second spot in the ICC ODI Rankings. He has 773 rating points compared to Rohit who is on top with 781 rating points.
The senior duo will have another chance of extending their lead over other batters in the upcoming three-ODI series against New Zealand which is scheduled to start on January 11 in Vadodra. Till then, they may turn up for their respective state sides in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 group stages which commences on December 24.
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