Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Source: @SPORTYVISHAL/x.com)
Virat Kohli’s undisputed fiery aggression on the field, or Rohit Sharma’s tactically genius mind, which can turn the game - which is more iconic? The debate is ongoing as both former captains have graced the big stage with their brilliant leadership, but now it's time to start a new chapter in Indian cricket.
After taking the reins of the Test side in 2014, Virat Kohli took over all-format captaincy in 2017 and led the team towards glory. After Kohli stepped down, Hitman took the reins. But the chapter has now turned as both the starlets are set to play the ODIs under Shubman Gill. As the move marked the end of a glorious chapter, let’s revisit the last match where Kohli and Rohit shared the field as players under another captain.
The last time RO-KO stepped into the game without wearing the captain’s hat
The Indian cricket team has seen some of the most iconic players in the history of the nation’s cricket. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the undisputed heroes who crafted a legacy that set a benchmark for the upcoming generations. Coming as youngsters, they became batting superstars over time, and later on, they were handed over captaincies, and the tenures turned out to be golden periods of Indian cricket.
Both players made their debut under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Sharpening their skills and bettering techniques and turning themselves into the greats of the game, they shone in Captain Cool’s leadership. In ICC events or any other matches, when Dhoni used to use his mind, the batters used to turn the tide with their flair.
After almost a decade, the Rohit-Kohli duo is all set to play under another captain. The last time they played under another captain was in October 2016 under Dhoni’s captaincy against New Zealand. Fast forward to today, history is poised to repeat itself, as both stars will take the field not as captains, but as specialist batters, ready to let their performances do the talking.
The duo stands tall with the fifties vs the Kiwis
As the match was special, the RO-KO duo made it even more special with their iconic performances. Batting first, Rohit Sharma came to open with Ajinkya Rahane, and the duo stitched a 40-run opening partnership. After Rahane walked away, scoring only 20 runs, Virat Kohli joined Hitman on the field.
Guiding the side towards a strong total, the duo proved to be dangerous for the Kiwi bowlers. Stitching a 79-run partnership in the second wicket, both of them scored half-centuries. Playing an outstanding innings of 70 runs in 65 deliveries, Hitman walked away from the field.
Dominating over the opponent, Virat Kohli stood tall and crafted a game-changing 71-run partnership with MS Dhoni. Completing a crucial half-century, Kohli crafted an impactful innings of 65 runs in 71 deliveries. With both stalwarts delivering under pressure, the Men in Blue went on to secure a commanding 190-run victory over New Zealand, leaving the world in awe of their class and composure.
The GOATs step into a new era
Just within a few days, Team India is set to witness a new chapter. Setting eyes on the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team management appointed Shubman Gill as the newest ODI skipper of the Men in Blue. With the bold move, the RO-KO’s leadership chapter has ended in Indian cricket.
Putting aside the trophies and personal milestones, leaders like them not only led the side towards glory, but Indian cricket has found some gem players that the duo polished in their captaincy era. Now, as the ODI series against Australia approaches, the duo is set to take the field not as captains, but as seasoned specialist batters, a scenario the cricket world hasn’t seen since 2016.
