Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most celebrated cricket icons, are facing potential selection challenges as they approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers. This warning comes from their former coach, Ravi Shastri, as India prepares to face Australia in a white-ball series starting with a one-day international in Perth next Sunday.
Despite having retired from Test cricket after the last summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli and Sharma will return to Australia for a series that includes three ODIs followed by five T20 matches. Shastri remains optimistic about India’s performance, particularly with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah set to participate in the T20 series.
India’s White-Ball Strength
Shastri has expressed confidence in the current squad, which blends experienced stars with emerging talents like Tilak Vilma and Rinku Singh. He believes this team surpasses the red-ball side that challenged Australia previously.
“I mean, this is a good side, a very good side. India are a far better white-ball side than Test match side,” Shastri stated.
He emphasized the excitement surrounding the young players, who are expected to captivate Australian audiences. “Plus, the old dogs are here. Rohit Sharma is here. Virat Kohli too. They know that these youngsters are pushing so you might just see the best out of them,” he added.
World Cup Aspirations
The upcoming series offers an opportunity for players to impress ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February and March, with the next ODI World Cup two years away. Despite their storied careers, Kohli and Sharma must continue to perform to secure their spots in future World Cup squads.
“That’s why they’re here. They’re part of the mix but, again, form is crucial,” Shastri noted at the Kayo and Fox Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch.
He further remarked on the importance of experience in major games, citing the Champions Trophy as an example. “Come the big games, the big boys step up, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens,” he said. “They have to prove something, because they have the young guns nipping at their heels.”
Emerging Talents and Australian Interest
Australian cricketer David Warner has acknowledged the rise of young Indian stars, noting the evident evolution in the lineup with an eye on the next two white-ball World Cups. Warner highlighted Rinku Singh and Tilak Vilma as standout performers who have fought hard to secure their positions.
“They’ve had fantastic IPLs. Rinku is one of the greatest finishes now in IPL history. And it’s tough to get into that (Indian white ball) sanctum,” Warner commented.
Warner also expressed excitement about the challenge these young players pose to the Australian team. “It’s exciting for Indian cricket, but also for the Australians here to take on these world-class youngsters coming through. It is a true test for the Australians,” he added.
Anticipated Fan Turnout
The series is expected to draw significant crowds, with Indian fans in Australia likely to turn out in large numbers. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is already sold out for a T20 match on October 31, coinciding with the Victoria Derby.
Sharma anticipates a thrilling summer for Australian fans, with both India and England touring. “I think for Australian crowds, this will be the best summer,” he said. “India is just the appetiser before the Ashes. There’ll be more bums on seats this year for four months than you’ve ever seen.”
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Kohli and Sharma to see how they respond to the pressure of maintaining their places amidst the rising competition from younger players.
