Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s presence will benefit the youngsters in the ODI series against New Zealand. Rohit and Virat last played in the ODI series against the West Indies.
The duo has all the experience under their belt and they would look to guide the youngsters on the right track. The pair would look to hit the ground running in the tough New Zealand conditions and it would be challenging for them as they are playing sporadically at the top level.
Ajinkya Rahane said on SonyLIV, “You get to learn many things. You learn how to handle every situation. You learn how to take success and failure. Many times, the situation keeps changing in ODI cricket. So how do you tackle that? Both have such vast experience. They have played so many matches,” the former India batter responded.
“They have been playing for so many years. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have seen everything. No matter how much you learn, it’s less. You need to ask questions as youngsters. Many times, you don’t talk in the middle of the match, but go to both of them and ask questions, and you will get to learn a lot,” he added.
Rahane, who recently announced his International retirement, said Rohit and Virat have silenced their critics with consistent performances.
“I am extremely excited to see both of them. The excitement used to be the same when we used to play together, the way they used to bat. Given the talk that was happening off the field recently, they have shown why they are such great players,” he said.
Rahane noted that Rohit and Virat’s presence will also help Shubman Gill as a captain.
“They have shown the class they have. They have scored runs, but the attitude and passion with which they play even now, both of them remaining in the team is extremely advantageous for the youngsters and for captain Shubman Gill,” Rahane observed.
India will next take on New Zealand in a five-match ODI series.
