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"Both wouldn't have been available if...": Gavaskar reveals why Rohit, Kohli agreed to play AUS ODIs

Debashis Sarangi

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

Talismanic Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to make their international comeback in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, Kohli and Rohit played their last international matches during India's Australia tour for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Now, as they gear up for the three-match ODI series, former Indian captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has explained why they made themselves available for the tour. 

Gavaskar doubts if Rohit, Kohli would've played had the opposition been Zimbabwe or WI

Generally, the BCCI rests its senior players and picks a young team comprising promising talents whenever India face a lesser-ranked side like Zimbabwe and West Indies. While Rohit and Kohli have been the pillars of Indian batting against formidable sides, they usually skip international assignments against lower-ranked teams, with the Indian think tank using their unavailability as an opportunity to test its bench strength. 

Sunil Gavaskar reckons that had this been a tour of Zimbabwe or the West Indies, Rohit and Kohli wouldn't have been available to represent India. The former captain explains that, as Australia defeated India in the 2023 World Cup final, the veteran cricketers found it necessary to be available for this tour, as their presence would boost India's chances of winning the ODI series.  

“I’m pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them would not have been available. But because this is in Australia, and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by India Today. 

Gavaskar advises Kohli, Rohit to play domestic cricket

The legendary batter also advised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to stay active in the domestic circuit and participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to play the next World Cup edition. He believes this will help these two players stay match fit, ensuring ample game time for them before the showpiece event. 

"They will have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy in India whenever it’s scheduled, if it doesn’t clash with any international ODI tournaments. That’s one way to stay in trim and maintain match practice,” he added. 

India's tour of Australia starts with the three-match ODI series, which both Kohli and Rohit are a part of. The three ODIs of the series will be played in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney in the chronological order.