Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will play an important role in deciding the future of Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
As both players are heading towards the fag end of their respective careers, Shastri feels that their performance in the three-match series could well determine their future.
Speaking at the launch of Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket in Sydney, Shastri said the series will serve as a key test for the senior duo.
“That is why they are here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They are part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go,” he said.
The former India all-rounder also cited the example of Steve Smith’s recent ODI retirement to support his point. “They (Rohit and Kohli) themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it is their call. (It’s) the same thing with Steve Smith (who retired from ODIs in March), from Australia’s point of view,” he added.
Having already retired from Tests and T20Is, the duo of Rohit and Kohli played their last international game in Dubai in the Champions Trophy. Kohli has scored 14,181 runs in 302 ODI matches at an average of 57.88 and a strike rate of 93.34. Rohit, on the other hand, has scored 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs with an average of 48.76. Both batters have an excellent record Down Under in the 50-over format.
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