Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has expressed confidence in Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating that their recent struggles in Test cricket should not affect their performances in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Despite facing criticism during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shane Watson believes that both players’ exceptional records in the ODI format make them pivotal for India’s success in the tournament.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson opened up about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI cricket as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches. Shane Watson dismissed concerns about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket, adding that it won’t affect their ODI form.
Shane Watson Backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli To Find Form Before Champions Trophy 2025
Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson termed India’s inability to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as “unfortunate” but said the ICC showpiece will offer star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma a chance to liberate themselves from a prolonged form slump. After much deliberation, the ICC has adopted the ‘Hybrid’ model for this edition of the CT with India scheduled to play its matches at a neutral venue in Dubai, something Watson expressed disappointment over.
“It’s unfortunate that things have worked out that way for sure. But there’s no doubt that what everyone loves seeing — the India-Pakistan games. Whenever they come together, whether it’s an ICC event, it is a really special time because we’ve got a sense of what’s on the line,” Watson told the media during the Champions Trophy Tour.
“It’s unfortunate that India aren’t travelling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy. But, unfortunately, that’s just the way it is right now,” he added.
Both Rohit and Kohli were part of India’s triumph at the 2013 Champions Trophy in England 12 years back, but now these two superstars are finding it tough to make big runs as they did in the past. But Watson was not worried over the Indians’ patchy form for talks surrounding their retirement.
“I don’t think it (current poor form) will really play a part at all with Rohit Sharma and Virat’s impact in one-day cricket. It’s going to be different conditions where they’re playing in Dubai. One-day cricket does really free them both as well,” said Watson.
He placed his faith in Kohli’s extraordinary ODI numbers — 295 ODIs, 13906 runs, Average: 58.18 with 50 hundreds and 72 fifties.
“Kohli is an absolute master of one-day cricket.”
“Yes, he’s a master of all formats, but especially ODIs. You see his extraordinary numbers over a long period of time, averaging around 57 and a strike rate of 93 over a long period of time. It’s crazy to think the control that he has over his innings.”
Watson said Rohit could be back to his best in ODIs. The 43-year-old said that Rohit Sharma could return to his best form in ODIs, drawing on his strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup as an example. Watson said that Rohit played aggressively and took on the game in limited-overs cricket.
“We’ll see that again in the Champions Trophy. Rohit, like we saw in the one-day World Cup (2023), when he was at his very best, he was taking on the game.
“It’s more difficult to be able to do that in Test cricket. He hasn’t been able to find that balance here in Australia. But when he goes out for the batting in one-days, he lets loose. That’s when we see the very best of Rohit Sharma.”
“So I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t perform really well in the Champions Trophy, knowing that he probably doesn’t have a lot of time left, whatever that is, but a lot of time left in international cricket. So I’m sure he’ll let the handbrake off,” he added.
Despite the uncertainties, on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form concerns, the focus remains on the Champions Trophy, where both Kohli and Rohit are expected to lead India’s charge. Their experience and track records in high-pressure ODI tournaments make them invaluable assets. As the team shifts its focus from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to the Champions Trophy, India will look to their star players to rediscover their rhythm and deliver when it matters most.