Irfan Pathan wants fans to stop worrying about the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Speaking after India’s tense win in the opening ODI of the 3-match series, Pathan said that everyone should simply enjoy the final leg of Virat and Rohit’s careers and allow them the space to enjoy their cricket without unnecessary speculation.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added 136 important runs between them in the first ODI at Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium. Batting on a flat track, the duo established their authority over the South African fast bowlers after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and steadily built a strong platform for India.
“So Virat Kohli is incredible to watch. And with both of these players performing like this, as fans and experts, maybe we should stop talking about the 50-over World Cup right now. Let that be for later. Just enjoy their cricket. Enjoy them while they play,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube show Seedhi Baat.
Speaking further on Seedhi Baat, Pathan said that he was fascinated with the way Rohit and Virat batted against the Proteas, forming a crucial third-wicket partnership. According to him, their stand played a major role in helping India set the base for what eventually became a solid total of 349 runs.
Pathan was full of praise for Virat Kohli in particular. He expressed astonishment at the level of mental and physical fitness that the former India captain continues to display, especially considering how efficiently he still plays ODIs in India despite not training regularly on Indian pitches throughout the year.
“The strength Virat Kohli brings, especially because he does not live in India regularly and does not always get tough wickets, yet he comes here and performs consistently in international cricket, is remarkable. It is not easy. It shows the level he is at and the mentality he has. A phenomenal mindset,” he said.
Virat Kohli batted exceptionally well on Sunday, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes. Kohli started off aggressively and celebrated his 52nd ODI hundred with a massive roar in Ranchi, showing both emotion and intent in equal measure.
Kohli had Rohit Sharma for support, with the former India captain scoring his third consecutive 50-plus knock in the format. Rohit pulled the ball with confidence and played several lovely touches through the off side that reminded fans of his trademark timing.
Pathan commented on Rohit’s innings and said that the batter might have rediscovered the peak form he displayed from 2015 to 2019 when he dominated across all conditions in ODIs.
“Now coming to Rohit Sharma, he is batting like he is at his peak. You cannot tell he is 38. His fitness has improved a lot. The way he plays according to the conditions and according to the bowlers is flawless batting. This Ranchi innings again shows the mindset with which Rohit Sharma is progressing. His consistent form continues,” Pathan said about Rohit Sharma.
There Are Two Virat Kohlis: Pathan
Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match award in Ranchi for his exceptional century. It was an unusual innings from Kohli in many ways because of the hyper-aggressive start, where he attacked the South African pacers with several eye-catching strokes.
However, Kohli shifted back to his more traditional method of constructing an innings through singles and calculated strokes after Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the 22nd over. Pathan observed that he saw two versions of Virat Kohli on Sunday: one who was ready to take down the bowlers freely, and another who relied on the calculated, risk-managed approach that has brought him immense success for more than a decade.
“If you see this innings, you will notice two Virat Kohlis. One was an aggressor in the powerplay, and the other came after the powerplay when wickets were falling. Then he became an adamant batter who was not ready to give up his wicket,” Pathan explained.
India will now travel to Raipur to play the second ODI of the series. This match is also expected to be a high-scoring one, with conditions likely to favor the batters once again.
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