Ravichandran Ashwin has vociferously defended Indian batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, asserting that any suggestion they need to ‘prove’ themselves is absurd. Ashwin pointed to their recent prolific run-scoring against South Africa as irrefutable evidence of their enduring class.
Both Rohit and Virat dispelled any lingering doubts about their form with commanding displays in the home ODI series against South Africa. Rohit Sharma, building on his century in Australia, continued his impressive scoring with two half-centuries. Virat Kohli was in sublime touch, notching up two back-to-back centuries and finishing the series strongly, which earned him the ‘Player of the Series’ accolade.
“They have been playing so well. What else do you want? They played well in Australia, in bouncy and quick conditions,” Ashwin stated, questioning the rationale behind the persistent criticism. He lauded their commitment, noting Rohit’s fitness advancements and Virat’s consistent batting form. “The fact that Rohit has worked on his fitness and come back, so props to him. The fact that Virat is batting as well as he is also shows the kind of work both of them have put in. The fact that both of them have to prove is itself a laughable thing. What do they need to prove?” Ashwin asked, emphasizing their decorated careers.
The off-spinner specifically praised Virat’s unique ‘no-look six’ and Rohit’s powerful boundary-hitting as highlights of the series. Virat concluded the series as the leading run-getter with an astonishing 302 runs at an average of 151.00 and a strike rate over 117. Rohit also added valuable runs, scoring 148 in three innings at an average of 48.66. As a unit, ‘Ro-Ko’ have dominated India’s ODI run charts this year, with Virat scoring 651 runs and Rohit close behind with 650, both maintaining excellent averages and strike rates.