Saba Karim wants veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play memorable shots in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts in Nagpur on February 9.
The former India coach took cues from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid to explain the importance of Virat and Rohit ahead of the four Test series.
speaking to indian newsthe cricketer turned commentator said:
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have a chance to deliver against a top-tier team. If they score hundreds, match-winning partnerships, they will be remembered by the next generations like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid.”
He continued:
“The duo should accept it as a challenge. They should play innings that help India win the Test series. They need to bat carefully because all the bowlers will target them. I hope they come out to bat prepared. If they’re ready to fight, the runs will flow.”
So far, Kohli has amassed 1682 runs in 20 Tests against Australia, including seven centuries and five fifties.
Meanwhile, Rohit has scored 408 runs in seven Tests (all away from home), including two half-centuries. However, the 35-year-old has hit a double ton and seven centuries against the Aussies in ODIs.
“Their roles are vital for India to reach the WTC final” – Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes that the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be vital for India to reach the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
He said indian news:
“I hope Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are fit. When they start, they play big innings. It will be needed throughout the series. Australia have a very good bowling attack. Rohit and Virat’s experience will be very crucial.”
Rajkumar explained how Rohit and Virat could have a dampening effect on the visitors, due to their ability to consistently score runs.
added:
“Their strike rates are very good. Rohit Sharma never stops the bigwigs from him. Virat also keeps the score going. He continues to rotate strikes and put pressure on the opposition. Good players make the most of bad deliveries. There is the psychological pressure of Virat and Rohit on Australia. Their roles are vital for India to reach the WTC final.”
Team India currently sits second in the WTC points table, behind Australia, led by Pat Cummins.