NEW DELHI: Former batter Suresh Raina believes that while India may have faced recent struggles, the form of skipper Rohit Sharma and his longtime teammate Virat Kohli will be crucial to the team’s success in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and conclude on March 9, will see India playing all their matches in Dubai under the hybrid model agreement finalised by the relevant parties.
Speaking to broadcaster Star Sports, Raina said, “Rohit Sharma’s strike rate has improved significantly after the ODI World Cup in 2023. Since then, he has scored runs at a strike rate of 119-120, making him one of India’s best ODI batsmen.
“For Rohit and Virat, I would say that when you have a strong record of past performances, it gives you a lot of confidence. They complement each other well, and both have the skill to score big runs. If they perform well, India’s Champions Trophy campaign will benefit immensely.”
India have been clubbed with arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh in the group stage of the tournament.
Speaking about the spin department and team combination, Raina said, “I think (Ravindra) Jadeja will definitely play because of his effectiveness in ODIs. Kuldeep (Yadav) has not played a match since his injury, but we also have Axar Patel, who has been consistently performing well.
“The pitches in Dubai will offer some seam movement, but spin will also play a role. That’s why Kuldeep, Axar, and Jadeja need to be in top form. Rohit’s choice of team combination will be crucial.”
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India are schueduled to a three-match ODI series against England.
“When it comes to white-ball cricket, Virat knows how to switch on and switch off. He has scored the most runs against England, so his energy will be at a different level automatically. The three ODIs will be played in Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Cuttack — all of which are high-scoring venues,” Raina said of Kohli, who has struggled for runs in the Test series in Australia.
Speaking on his expectations from Rohit, Raina said, “I think Rohit should play aggressively. You saw how he batted in the ODI World Cup — he was attacking even in the final. So, I believe his approach will remain the same.
“The key question is who will open alongside him — will it be Shubman (Gill)? I remember, whenever they play together, they maintain an aggressive intent.”
Raina also lauded Rohit’s captaincy.
“Rohit Sharma is an attacking captain. The way he utilises his bowlers is commendable — bringing in Mohammad Shami at crucial moments and relying on spinners strategically.
“When Rohit scores runs, it also reflects in his captaincy. This could be his last ICC trophy as captain, and if he wins, he will become the first Indian player to win four ICC trophies.
“He has already won the T20 World Cup, and securing the Champions Trophy would be a remarkable achievement. He will be motivated to make it happen, but scoring runs will be crucial for him.”
