Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has firmly backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s continued presence in the ODI setup, stating that players of their stature must be treated differently after India’s recent ODI series against South Africa.
Speaking on JioStar, Bangar dismissed any debate about their places in the team despite questions surrounding form and fitness ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Stellar Show in South Africa Silences Doubters
Kohli and Rohit delivered when it mattered most in the just-concluded ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, named Player of the Series, struck two centuries and a fifty, while Rohit played two crucial knocks.
Individual scores in the series:
| Player | 1st ODI | 2nd ODI | 3rd ODI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 135 | 102 | 65* |
| Rohit Sharma | 57 | DNB | 75 |
In their last six ODIs combined, the duo has scored three hundreds (two by Kohli) and five fifties (three by Rohit), proving they remain India’s biggest match-winners in the 50-over format.
“Treat Them Differently” – Bangar’s Strong Message
Bangar emphasized that Kohli and Rohit have earned the right to be judged on a different scale because of their extraordinary records and sacrifices for Indian cricket.
“They have retired from two formats already. It is natural that they might need a couple of matches to get back into rhythm because they don’t play as much white-ball cricket now,” Bangar said.
He added that younger players need regular games to stay sharp, but established legends like Kohli and Rohit can switch on their best form quickly when required.
“Once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality in your side. You have to treat them differently and give them that space,” Bangar stressed.
Dressing Room Impact Beyond Runs
Bangar, who has worked closely with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru and in the Indian team, highlighted the intangible value the seniors bring.
“Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere. After the humiliating Test series loss in South Africa, they must have spoken to the younger players and helped everyone move on,” he observed.
Fans travel thousands of kilometers just to watch Kohli and Rohit bat, a factor Bangar believes significantly lifts team morale and gives India a massive edge.
Road to 2027 World Cup
With the Champions Trophy just months away and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India cannot afford to lose the experience and big-match temperament of Kohli and Rohit.
Bangar’s clear message to selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir: back the legends, manage their workload smartly, and let their class do the talking when it matters.
Indian cricket fans will hope the team management listens, because as Bangar rightly pointed out, when Kohli and Rohit are “on song,” very few teams in world cricket can match India.
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