Back to Their Best?

The 2024-25 Test season was a forgettable chapter for both batters, as neither managed to find their rhythm in the longest format. Rohit Sharma endured a particularly challenging run, amassing just 164 runs across eight Tests at an average of 10.93, with only one half-century to his name. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli fared slightly better but still struggled, scoring 382 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 22.87, including one century and a fifty.

Their recent performances in domestic cricket also left much to be desired. Rohit fell cheaply for 3 and 28 in a Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir, while Kohli’s return to first-class cricket after 12 years ended on a disappointing note, managing only six runs against Railways.

A Glimmer of Hope in the Nets

However, if their latest net session is anything to go by, Indian fans have reason to be optimistic. The BCCI footage captured Rohit and Kohli taking on fast bowlers with confidence, showcasing their trademark flair. Rohit was seen dispatching deliveries with his elegant strokeplay, while Kohli displayed his trademark aggression, stepping out to smash sixes and playing exquisite reverse-sweeps.

The duo’s preparation hints at a resurgence in form, which will be crucial not only for the ODI series against England but also for India’s campaign in the upcoming Champions Trophy. As two of India’s most dependable batsmen, their performances will play a pivotal role in determining the team’s success.

What to Expect in the Series

With the stage set for the first ODI, all eyes will be on Rohit and Kohli to deliver when it matters most. Both players have proven time and again that they thrive under pressure, and their ability to adapt to different formats remains unmatched. If their net session is any indication, fans can expect fireworks from the “Ro-Ko” duo as they aim to silence critics and lead India to victory.

As the countdown to the series begins, the Indian team will hope that this practice session translates into match-winning performances on the field. For now, Rohit and Kohli’s display in the nets has ignited hopes of a strong start to the ODI series against England.

Also Read:Smriti Mandhana Advocates for Growth of Women in Sports Beyond Cricket: ‘It Would Be Inspiring to Witness…’ – Totalcric

The lowest score among the top seven batters of India’s first innings was Shubman Gill’s 23. Captain Rohit Sharma got just one more. If one calls these two ‘failures’ in the context of the game – although both of them played crucial parts on Day 1 – one can imagine a fairly big team total and that’s exactly what happened in the first Test against England in Hyderabad. India ended Day 2 at 421/7, enjoying a healthy lead of 175 runs over England, who managed 246 in their first innings.

Among the remaining five of India’s top seven, 35 was the lowest by Shreyas Iyer. Three of them crossed the 80-run mark. If Ravichandran Ashwin hadn’t been run out due to a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja, then chances are high that he would have only added more runs to the total. Despite every batter apart from Ashwin in the nine that have gotten off to a start in this Test for India, none has managed to notch up a century.

In the context of the game, that may not matter as India have put themselves way ahead of England but in in terms of individual confidence, it may do. This is a batting unit that is still trying to establish itself.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to throw away a century. After the second ball of the day for a boundary over bowler Joe Root’s head, he tried to chip the next ball but ended up giving a return catch. Jaiswal was on 80 then.

KL Rahul was the next to miss a deserved century. He showcased a batting masterclass batting at No.4 in the absence of Virat Kohli. But just when it was looking like he would notch up a day hundred, he mistimed a Tom Hartley half-tracker to straight to the deep midwicket fielder when he was just 14 short of his 9th Test century.

ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja predicts when Ravichandran Ashwin will get his 500th Test wicket: ‘I hope he gets it in…’

Former England captain Michael Atherton called the Indian batters “generous” and said Kohli would never have thrown it away like Jaiswal and Rahul did.

“They were fortunate that India’s top order were in a generous mood but the situation at the close was very bad even so, and could have been even worse. It is hard to imagine that Virat Kohli would have been as obliging as his team-mates were here, and the biggest culprit was his replacement at No 4, the stylish and gifted KL Rahul, who had a hundred for the taking before hammering a long-hop from Tom Hartley into the deep,” Atherton wrote in his column for The Times.

Atherton also highlighted the puzzling aspect of lead spinner Jack Leach bowling the least number of overs among all bowlers that England captain Ben Stokes used.

“The most puzzling aspect revolved around the deployment of Jack Leach, England’s most experienced spinner. Until now, Leach has been something of a pet project for Ben Stokes and, in response to the many shows of faith, Leach has responded by growing in stature and confidence.

Tennis legend and the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic revealed that he has been in constant touch with India’s talisman batter Virat Kohli.

The 24-time major winner said that they have known each other for a few years and he admires Kohli a lot. He stated that while he has not had the opportunity to meet an Indian batter, he has been lucky enough to communicate with one.

In the lead-up to the Australian Open 2024, tennis legend Djokovic has been making headlines with his fitness and determination at the age of 36.

The Serb revealed that he has a wonderful friendship with Indian cricket legend Kohli and has been speaking with him for several years. Djokovic complimented Kohli on his stellar career and thanked him for his good remarks.

Speaking to Sony Sports, Djokovic said, “Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person. But it was really a privilege and honour to listen to him speak nicely about me and I obviously admire his career and achievement and everything he has done.”

With a potential 25th Grand Slam title up for the grabs, Djokovic opened up about his admiration for India and what drives him towards achieving great things every day.

ALSO READ: Ollie Pope says England won’t be complaining if the pitches in India will spin from ball one

The 24-time Grand Slam champion reflected on his previous visit to the nation, which was ten years ago. Djokovic planned to visit India soon to see its beauty, history, culture, and spirituality.

“I have been to India only once so far in my life. It was, I think, 10 or 11 years ago. I came to play an exhibition event in New Delhi for two days. It was a very short stay. So, I really hope that I will be able to come back in the near future, too, because I have a great desire, great wish to explore your beautiful country that has so much history, so much culture to offer to the world and spirituality as well. It’s amazing,” the 36-year-old continued.

The 10-time Australian Open winner, Novak, will face Croatian Dino Prizmic in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday, in the year when Novak is all set to eye a Golden Slam.

On the other hand, India’s star batter Kohli Kohli is set to return for the second T20I against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday after missing the opening match of the series due to personal reasons.