Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar urged the management that veteran batting duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be treated differently for their body of work over the years. The 53-year-old believes that Rohit and Virat's place in the ODI side should never have been a topic of debate amid speculations about their future.
Bangar on Rohit and Virat's ODI performance
There were rumours that the selection committee members and head coach Gautam might be sceptical about the senior duo retaining form and fitness till the 2027 World Cup, but the two batting greats flexed their form in the last two ODI assignments, smashing three hundreds (two by Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit) between them in the last six ODIs.
"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 said while speaking to JioStar.
RoKo needs time: Sanjay Bangar
Since India plays limited ODI cricket, Bangar knows that often it might take a couple of games to get into the groove, but they have earned that time with their achievements for the national team.
"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.
In the recently concluded three-match ODI series, Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games. Virat Kohli was the 'Player of the Series'. Kohli had stupendous scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out.
"When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere."
When will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature again for India?
Rohit and Virat Kohli who already retired from T20Is and Tests, will now be seen featuring against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, which will start from January 11.