Former England batter Kevin Pietersen thinks the veteran Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have a good amount of international cricket left in them. Pietersen’s comments came in an interaction on Star Sports ahead of thee three-match ODI series between India and England.
The ODI series between both countries will take place from February 6 to 12 across Nagpur, Cuttack and Ahmedabad, respectively. It will serve as a preparatory series for an all-important Champions Trophy, which will begin later this month in Pakistan and the UAE.
It will also be a crucial platform for the likes of Kohli and Rohit to return to form after a disastrous end to their 2024 season. ‘Hitman’ and Kohli could garner only 91 and 93 runs, respectively in the home test series against New Zealand, which saw India lose 3-0.
Then, Rohit Sharma managed to accumulate only 31 runs in five innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, On the other hand, Virat Kohli started off well with a century in Perth, but could only end up with 190 runs as India lost the series 3-1.
However, Pietersen has backed the “legends” to come out of bad form and feels they can entertain their fans for a few more years.
“These guys don’t need to prove anything to anybody, they are legends of the game. They are wonderful entertainers. 35 and 36 [actually 36 and 37], these guys have another couple of years. “
Kevin Pietersen also termed Kohli as the “best chaser” India has ever produced, and feels a big knock is round the corner for him.
“He is the best chaser that you ever had in this country.” There is no single batter in the world that has chased and won more games for the country than Virat Kohli. When he turns up, he’s gotta play.”
Kevin Pietersen knew Rohit Sharma had a bright future
Kevin Pietersen also recalled the 2012 T20 World Cup when he spotted Rohit Sharma’s talent. The showpiece event saw Rohit scoring 82 runs in four innings, with a top knock of 55* off 33 coming against England. His knock helped the Men in Blue to win the game by 90 runs.
Pietersen feels he knew that Rohit Sharma would turn out to be a crucial player for the Indian side, if given a longer rope. He said:
“I absolutely love both of them [Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma]. I remember back in 2012… I think it was a T20 or a 50-over World Cup when Rohit was making his way into the Indian team. I think there was a bit of criticism about him and I said this young kid is gonna be very very special. He needs to be looked after and be played.”
