NEW DELHI: Former batter Suresh Raina believes that whereas India might have confronted current struggles, the type of skipper Rohit Sharma and his longtime teammate Virat Kohli might be essential to the staff’s success within the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The match, set to start on February 19 in Pakistan and conclude on March 9, will see India enjoying all their matches in Dubai underneath the hybrid mannequin settlement finalised by the related events.
Chatting with broadcaster Star Sports activities, Raina mentioned, “Rohit Sharma’s strike price has improved considerably after the ODI World Cup in 2023. Since then, he has scored runs at a strike price of 119-120, making him considered one of India’s finest ODI batsmen.
“For Rohit and Virat, I’d say that when you’ve got a powerful file of previous performances, it provides you plenty of confidence. They complement one another properly, and each have the talent to attain huge runs. In the event that they carry out properly, India’s Champions Trophy marketing campaign will profit immensely.”
India have been clubbed with arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh within the group stage of the match.
Talking in regards to the spin division and staff mixture, Raina mentioned, “I believe (Ravindra) Jadeja will certainly play due to his effectiveness in ODIs. Kuldeep (Yadav) has not performed a match since his harm, however we even have Axar Patel, who has been constantly performing properly.
“The pitches in Dubai will supply some seam motion, however spin may even play a job. That is why Kuldeep, Axar, and Jadeja should be in prime type. Rohit’s alternative of staff mixture might be essential.”
Forward of the Champions Trophy, India are schueduled to a three-match ODI collection towards England.
“In terms of white-ball cricket, Virat is aware of methods to swap on and swap off. He has scored probably the most runs towards England, so his power might be at a special stage mechanically. The three ODIs might be performed in Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Cuttack — all of that are high-scoring venues,” Raina mentioned of Kohli, who has struggled for runs within the Check collection in Australia.
Talking on his expectations from Rohit, Raina mentioned, “I believe Rohit ought to play aggressively. You noticed how he batted within the ODI World Cup — he was attacking even within the ultimate. So, I consider his method will stay the identical.
“The important thing query is who will open alongside him — will or not it’s Shubman (Gill)? I keep in mind, every time they play collectively, they preserve an aggressive intent.”
Raina additionally lauded Rohit’s captaincy.
“Rohit Sharma is an attacking captain. The way in which he utilises his bowlers is commendable — bringing in Mohammad Shami at essential moments and counting on spinners strategically.
“When Rohit scores runs, it additionally displays in his captaincy. This might be his final ICC trophy as captain, and if he wins, he’ll grow to be the primary Indian participant to win 4 ICC trophies.
“He has already gained the T20 World Cup, and securing the Champions Trophy could be a outstanding achievement. He might be motivated to make it occur, however scoring runs might be essential for him.”
