Mohit Sharma Defends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Amid ODI Criticism
Mohit Sharma's Take on ODI Criticism
Dubai [UAE], October 7: Former Indian cricketer Mohit Sharma humorously addressed the ongoing skepticism surrounding the roles of ODI stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the 2027 Cricket World Cup approaches. He emphasized that discussing their positions is pointless.
Speaking to a News Media outlet during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) season 3, where he represents the India Champions team, Mohit responded to inquiries about the persistent debates regarding Rohit and Virat's places in the ODI lineup, which tend to resurface with each series due to the limited number of ODIs played.
Referencing a popular meme from the film Jolly LLB featuring actor Arshad Warsi, he quipped, “I remember a meme, ‘Kaun hai log, kahan se aate hai yeah log’. There is no point in talking about this,” effectively dismissing the ongoing discussions.
This year, Virat Kohli has excelled in nine ODIs, amassing 552 runs in nine innings, boasting an impressive average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 117.94, including two centuries and three fifties, with a top score of 139*. In the recent ODIs against the West Indies, he scored a total of 168 runs in three innings, highlighted by a remarkable 139* off just 88 balls while chasing a target of around 290 runs. Kohli ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, with 15,109 runs at an average of 58.78, including 55 centuries and 79 fifties, with a best score of 183.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, despite the ongoing speculation regarding his fitness and position, continues to perform admirably. He stands as India's third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, having accumulated 12,120 runs in 291 matches and 283 innings, with an average of 49.26, including 35 centuries and 63 fifties, and a highest score of 264. This year, he has maintained a strong form, scoring 604 runs in 12 innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 104.67, featuring two centuries and two fifties, with a best score of 138.
During the ODIs against the West Indies, Rohit was India's second-highest run-scorer, contributing 225 runs in three innings at an average of 75.00 and a strike rate exceeding 115, including a century and a fifty, with a top score of 101.
The dynamic duo, affectionately known as 'Ro-Ko', is set to face New Zealand in a five-match ODI series starting November 4, followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka at home beginning December 13.