Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal has showered praise on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the second ODI against South Africa at Raipur. Lal highlighted that India has a strong ODI unit and the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma makes the team even stronger.

While Rohit scored a decent knock of 57 runs against the Proteas, Kohli scored a match-winning knock of 135 runs off 120 balls in the series opener at Ranchi on Sunday. This was the 52nd ODI century for Virat Kohli as he went past Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most hundreds in a single format.

Furthermore, Rohit recently top-scored with 202 runs in three ODIs against Australia, including a century in the final game. Thus, he was awarded Player of the Series, whereas Virat Kohli also scored a fine knock of 74 runs off 81 balls in the third ODI after bagging two ducks.

Madan Lal said on ANI, “Our ODI team is really good. With Rohit and Virat, it makes a very strong team. We already had a strong team, but with them, it becomes even stronger because they are experienced. Virat Kohli is such a clever player. He knows what he is doing. Rohit Sharma, as an opener, nobody can beat him and his shots. I enjoy Rohit a little more.”

The 1983 World Cup-winning player added that it is crucial for the team to have experienced players in the big events.

“There should be a mix and match in team combination (for the 2026 T20 World Cup). It is essential to have senior players too, so that they can control the game. Sometimes, as a youngster, your bodies work, but your brains do not. So it is important to have someone who can control the game,” said Madan Lal (via the aforementioned source).

The second ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on Wednesday.