The former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen feels that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can serve India for another couple of years.
The senior duo is set to make a return to the Indian cricket team for the three-match ODI series before getting for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, Pietersen has backed Kohli and Rohit to regain form and claimed that they can continue playing for India for another couple of years.
Both batters have featured in the Ranji Trophy in a bid to regain some form before England ODI series and Champions Trophy this month. Speaking to the media, Pietersen said that Kohli and Rohit don’t need to prove anything and called them legends of the game.
He also hailed Kohli as the best chaser India has ever produced. “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. 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.”
Pietersen said that he loves Kohli and Rohit Sharma claimed that he knew the Indian captain will be a special talent when he saw him in 2012.
“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.”
“You’ve seen that throughout his career, he was one of the first batters that went to Australia because he was one of the guys that turned up, decided if it’s gonna be short and you’re bowling 140 to me, I pull you off my nose and I’m hitting you for sixes.”
“The guy was so good at the start and has continued to be great ever since,” he added. The first match of the ODI series will be played on February 06 at VCA Stadium.
