DUBAI: As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicked off, questions surrounding the future of two of India’s cricketing legends—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—were prevalent. With both players facing criticism for inconsistent form, especially in Test cricket, the pressure was mounting. However, a change in format and a shift to ODIs have seen the duo return to their best, silencing critics and reaffirming their place in the team.

A Rocky Patch in Test Cricket

The doubts about Kohli and Rohit’s future in the team weren’t unfounded, especially after their struggles in Test cricket. Despite Kohli’s memorable century in Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, both players had faced consistent failures in a series of eight Tests across different conditions. The pressure on both stars was building, and many questioned if their time at the top was coming to an end.

The ODIs Bring a Change

However, the format change seemed to breathe new life into the pair. Kohli, after some criticism for his vulnerability against spinners, found his form in ODIs. Despite a modest series against England, where he scored a half-century and a low score of 22, Kohli’s performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy was nothing short of brilliant. Under immense pressure in a crucial match, Kohli scored an unbeaten 100, extending his ODI century tally to an impressive 51. His brilliant knock guided India to a 242-run chase, helping the team win with 45 balls to spare.

While Kohli’s batting was on point, his fitness also shone through. Running between the wickets with lightning speed and taking sharp catches both at point and in the deep, Kohli displayed that he remains one of the fittest cricketers in the world.

Rohit Sharma’s Comeback

Rohit Sharma’s form had also been under the microscope, especially after a long dry spell. At one point, he struggled to even reach double figures and had to opt out of a Test in Sydney. However, the Mumbai batter bounced back with a solid knock of 119 against England in the second ODI earlier in the month, shaking off his previous poor run. In the Champions Trophy, he has contributed valuable cameos, including a quick-fire 41 off 36 balls against Bangladesh and a 20 off 15 balls against Pakistan. These brisk starts have played a crucial role in giving India an early advantage.

Shikhar Dhawan’s Confidence in Kohli and Rohit

Despite the recent struggles of the two veterans, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan remained confident in their abilities. During the India vs Pakistan match, Dhawan dismissed concerns about Kohli’s form, emphasizing that every cricketer goes through rough patches. “For someone about to complete 14,000 ODI runs, Virat knows his game well. It’s just a matter of one good innings, and all the pressure will vanish,” Dhawan said. He also praised Kohli’s consistency against Pakistan, where the star batter has scored 778 runs in 17 ODIs, including four hundreds and two fifties.

Pakistan’s Respect for Kohli’s Dominance

Pakistan, too, remains in awe of Kohli’s performances, especially his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches. Pakistan captain Rizwan Ahmed expressed his admiration, “I’m surprised at his hard work. He must have worked really hard. The world says he is out of form, but he comes to these big matches and easily hits the ball.” Rizwan praised Kohli’s fitness and relentless drive, acknowledging how the Indian batter managed to take the game away from them despite being considered out of form.

Shreyas Iyer on Kohli’s Mindset

Shreyas Iyer, who partnered Kohli in a 114-run stand during the Pakistan match, shared his thoughts on Kohli’s mindset. “I’ve never thought of Virat struggling for runs. He’s always hungry for runs,” Iyer said, highlighting Kohli’s dedication to his craft. Iyer also shared that Kohli arrived early for practice, looking as sharp as ever.

The Importance of Senior Players

As calls for the inclusion of younger players grow, Dhawan stressed the value of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit. “The seniors are important because they pass on their experience to the youngsters. Virat’s presence at the crease makes a huge difference. The opposition fears him,” Dhawan pointed out. He also noted the importance of Rohit’s quick starts, saying, “It’s not always about scoring a century. Rohit’s quick 20 today created the right energy for the team.”

A Strong Future for India’s Veterans

As India continues its journey in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, it’s clear that Kohli and Rohit still have plenty to offer. Their recent performances have reaffirmed their importance to the team, and they remain crucial in India’s pursuit of glory. Their consistency, experience, and hunger for success will undoubtedly play a major role in shaping India’s future success in international cricket.