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Former Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh believes Virat Kohli is batting with no joy due to the tremendous pressure he is under in the ongoing Australian ODI series.
Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth praised Rohit Sharma for displaying grit despite struggling massively at the start of his innings in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. Rohit endured a forgettable return to Indian colors in the series opener at Perth, scoring only eight.Things appeared to be headed in a similar direction when the veteran batter scratched his way to eight off 30 deliveries. However, the champion opener fought through the challenging period and scored a defiant 97-ball 73.Talking about Rohit Sharma's knock post-game on his YouTube Channel, Srikkanth said (2:30):"The ball was doing a lot initially and he was beaten several times. He survived many close calls too. But what I liked about him is the grit to stay at the crease and then capitalize. He made it up later and started playing his typical shots. He displayed grit and determination and ultimately aggression. Basically, it comes down to experience. He proved why he is a white-ball king."Srikkanth added:"He started off perfectly in the first gear and slowly moved to the fourth gear. But he got out when in the fourth gear. Usually he goes till the eighth gear. He scores 1,000 runs in an year so easily. Scoring 1,000 in an year has become child's play for Rohit. One positive from today's knock is he got his confidence back."The knock took Rohit to third all-time among Indian batters in ODI runs with 11,249, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The former captain helped India recover from early trouble and post a competitive 264 in their 50 overs."Would just advise Virat Kohli not to worry" - Kris SrikkanthKris Srikkanth advised star batter Virat Kohli to brush aside his back-to-back ducks in the opening two ODIs against Australia. The right-hander is yet to open his account after 12 deliveries on the ongoing tour down under.Kohli is playing for India after more than six months, having announced his retirement from Test cricket during this period."Xavier Bartlett set Virat Kohli up brilliantly. Let's not forget Adelaide is one of his favorite hunting grounds where he has always performed well. So he was just thanking the crowd for all the support they had given him over the years (gesture walking off). I would just advise Virat Kohli not to worry as this happens to anybody in life," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).The former captain also dismissed the notion that the senior players, especially Kohli and Rohit, are under pressure."Who said their place is in doubt? I didn't feel any of that. Watching Rohit Sharma bat, it didn't look like he was under pressure. It was just that Hazlewood and Bartlett bowled brilliant spells," concluded Srikkanth.Unfortunately for the legendary duo, their return hasn't gone to plan as India trail 0-2 in the best-of-three series with back-to-back defeats in Perth and Adelaide.
Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified that the benching of ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the opening ODI against Australia was due to the Perth wicket and the team balance.
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir jokingly responded to a reporter's question regarding skipper Shubman Gill after the side's second Test win over the West Indies in Delhi. Much has transpired in Gill's international career recently, with his ascent to captaincy in the Test and ODI formats.Furthermore, the 26-year-old has been playing without a break for the past month, given the quick turnaround from the Asia Cup to the recently concluded West Indies series. Gill will immediately begin his ODI captaincy stint in under a week when India takes on Australia in a three-match series down under, starting Sunday, October 14.When asked if Shubman Gill might need a mental conditioning coach during the post-match press conference, Gambhir hilariously responded (via RevSportz X handle):"First of all, I need one."Celebrating his 44th birthday today, Gambhir called India's series win over the West Indies his birthday gift."This is my birthday gift. The coach is as good as the team," he said.The former left-hander has struggled as India's head coach in the red-ball format, with the side winning only three out of their last 13 games before the West Indies series."Important to stay focused on the present" - Gautam Gambhir on Kohli and Rohit's 2027 ODI World Cup inclusionGautam Gambhir remained non-committal about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI futures, including their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The duo has retired from T20Is and Tests, but remain available in the 50-over format.While both veteran batters have been selected for the upcoming Australian tour, there remains uncertainty about their future."They are quality players, and their experience will be invaluable. With the 2027 World Cup still 2.5 years away, it's important to stay focused on the present. Kohli and Rohit are both exceptional players, and their return will be a big boost. Hopefully, they have a successful tour, and more importantly, the team comes out with a strong series performance in Australia," said Gambhir (via India Today).The Indian coach also opened up on the challenges for all-format players, given the tight scheduling, saying:"It's tough on players who are playing all formats. A busy schedule ahead. This group is preparing themselves really well for Tests and that’s why you’re seeing good results. It is important for them to play domestic, rather than just working in the NCA."Following the three ODIs in Australia that start in five days, the Men in Blue will also play five T20Is from October 29 to November 8.