Saba Karim wants senior batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play memorable knocks in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Nagpur on February 9.
The former India coach took the example of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid to explain the importance of both Virat and Rohit ahead of the four-Test series.
Speaking with Indian newsthe cricketer turned commentator said:
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have a chance to deliver against the top-ranked team. If they score hundreds, successful partnerships, they will be remembered by the coming generations like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid.”
He continued:
“The duo should take it as a challenge. They should play such innings which will help India win the test series. They should bat carefully as all bowlers will be targeting them. I hope he will cope with the preparation. If they are ready to fight, the escape will flow.”
So far, Kohli has amassed 1,682 runs in 20 Tests against Australia, including seven centuries and five fifties.
Meanwhile, Rohit scored 408 runs in seven Tests (all away from home), including two half-centuries. The 35-year-old, however, scored a double ton and seven centuries against the Australians in ODIs.
“Their roles are vital for India to reach WTC final” – Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes 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 will be fit. When they start, they play big innings. It will be needed throughout the series. Australia has a very good bowling attack. The experience of Rohit and Virat will be very important.”
Rajkumar explained how Rohit and Virat could have a dampening effect on the visitors, thanks to their ability to score consistently.
He added:
“Their strike rates are very good. Rohit Sharma never stops with his big shots. Virat also keeps the score on the scoreboard. He constantly rotates strikes and puts pressure on the opposition. Good players make the most of bad deliveries. There is psychological pressure from Virat and Rohit on Australia. Their roles are vital for India to reach the WTC final.”
Team India is currently second in the WTC points table, behind Pat Cummins-led Australia.