James Vince backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to bounce back in red-ball format amid form slump

England batter James Vince has put his weight behind the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to bounce back in the red-ball format amid form slump. While Kohli scored 190 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 23.75, Rohit managed only 31 runs in five innings at 6.20. 

Kohli was dismissed caught behind on eight occasions in nine innings whereas Rohit looked short of confidence with the bat. 

Furthermore, Kohli and Rohit could not deliver consistently in the home Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand. 

Meanwhile, Rohit returned with scores of 3 and 28 in the Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir while playing for Mumbai whereas Kohli has joined the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad.

India’s next Test assignment is the five-match Test tour to England and the duo will have their work cut out in tough English conditions.

James Vince, who is leading Gulf Giants in ILT20, said on IANS, “It’s hard to predict. English conditions can be bowler-friendly, but they can also favor batters on certain days. The quality of players like Virat and Rohit is undeniable. If they still have the hunger and desire to play Test cricket, history suggests they’ll find a way to perform.

“We’re not used to seeing players of that caliber go through extended bad runs, but it shows that they’re human. I’m sure they’ll come back strong if they’re motivated to succeed,” the 33-year-old added.

Meanwhile, both Kohli and Rohit averaged less than 25 in Test cricket in 2024 and they would look to turn the tables in 2025. It will be imperative for India that Kohli and Rohit bat at their best in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.