In the much-anticipated Test series between India and South Africa, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed high expectations for the dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With the absence of veteran batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit and Kohli are poised to play pivotal roles in mentoring the relatively inexperienced Indian batting lineup.
The first Test kicks off in Centurion on December 26, and Sunil Gavaskar believes that the seasoned batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will capitalize on their wealth of experience to score prolifically in the series.
Speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Gavaskar noted that the South African bowling attack may lack the edge it once had, creating an opportunity for the Indian duo to shine.
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the potential absence of key South African bowlers Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi, suggesting that their non-participation could leave the host team short on experience. He believes this scenario will work in favor of Rohit and Kohli, enabling them to contribute significantly and assist India in posting substantial scores.
“They are experienced batters, who are coming after playing everywhere, so I expect them to score lots of runs in these two Test matches. Not only because they have got so much talent, but this time around, I think the South African attack does not have that edge.”
“With the absence of Nortje, with the likely absence of Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, the South African attack looks a little bit short on experience, I am not saying short of class. So I feel these two batters will score lots of runs and help the Indian team post a big score,” Gavaskar added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to dominate: Sunil Gavaskar
While Virat Kohli boasts an impressive record in South Africa, amassing 719 runs at an average of 51.35 in seven Tests, Rohit has faced challenges in the Rainbow Nation, with a modest 123 runs in four Tests at an average of 15.38.
Addressing the biggest challenge for Rohit Sharma as a player and captain in the upcoming series, Gavaskar emphasized the need to transition mentally into a Test match situation. Having recently played in the ODI format with an attacking role, Rohit will need to alter his approach for Test cricket, focusing on batting throughout the day.
Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the importance of Rohit Sharma adapting to the longer format and suggested that a successful performance by the Indian captain with the bat would significantly boost his confidence in leading the side.
“He will have to change the approach completely for Test cricket because he will have to think in terms of batting the whole day,” Gavaskar said of Rohit Sharma.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the India-South Africa Test series, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, poised to deliver exceptional performances and steer India to success on South African soil.
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