Media365
NEW DELHI: In a high-intensity net session ahead of the first ODI against England, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and batting stalwart Virat Kohli showcased their formidable array of strokes, signaling intent for the upcoming three-match series, starting on Thursday in Nagpur.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the two modern-day greats sweating it out in the nets, delighting fans with a mix of classical and aggressive strokeplay.
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Their preparation comes at a crucial juncture as Team India fine-tunes its approach with the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai on the horizon.
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For Rohit, this series is more than just another assignment; it is a reaffirmation of his position as India’s batting cornerstone. His approach in ODIs has seen a paradigm shift since the 2023 World Cup, where his aggressive starts played a crucial role in India’s dominant campaign.
Vice-captain Shubman Gill lauded his skipper’s fearless batting, emphasising its impact on the team’s approach. “The way Rohit bhai has been batting in the ODIs in the past year and a half, it’s been game-changing for us. Taking the momentum right through from the start and taking the game away from ball one, it makes the job of the non-striker and the batsmen coming in a bit easier and it has helped our team a lot,” Gill said.
For Kohli, this series presents an opportunity to add another glorious chapter to his already illustrious ODI career. Though his recent Test form has been inconsistent, his white-ball credentials remain unassailable. With 13,906 ODI runs to his name, Kohli is just 94 runs away from becoming only the third batter to breach the 14,000-run mark in the format. Given his stellar record in Nagpur, where he averages 81.25, the landmark seems within reach.
Kohli’s ODI dominance continues to shine through, with him holding the highest batting average in the format since 2023, alongside the most centuries. As he prepares to step onto the field, all eyes will be on whether he can script another memorable milestone in Nagpur.
For both Rohit and Kohli, the upcoming ODIs and the Champions Trophy represent more than just a battle for runs – it’s a test of perception. As they gear up for yet another defining phase in their careers, the cricketing world eagerly awaits their next masterclass.
