As India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against England, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized an aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket. Following India’s T20I series victory over England, Gambhir reaffirmed his commitment to an attacking style, aiming for high-scoring games to entertain fans. While this method has proven successful in T20s, the question arises—can experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adapt to this high-risk, high-reward strategy in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma’s Adaptability to the New Template
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma has already shown his ability to embrace this aggressive batting philosophy. Citing his performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, Ashwin praised the Indian skipper’s fearless approach, which set the tone for the team in crucial matches.
“Given how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don’t think he will have any issues. He has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, so stepping back from this template is unlikely,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.
Virat Kohli: The Bridge Between Aggression and Stability
While Rohit has adopted an attacking mindset, Ashwin believes Virat Kohli’s role in the ODI format should be different. Instead of altering his natural game, Kohli should serve as the stabilizer, ensuring balance between an aggressive top order and a strong finish.
“In T20s, we had Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh playing the role of finishers. But in ODIs, who bridges the gap between explosive batting at the top and the finishing role? It’s Virat,” Ashwin explained.
Despite recent struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, Kohli remains a vital asset in ODIs. He was India’s top scorer in the 2023 World Cup, leading the team to the final.
‘No Need to Rush in ODIs’ – Ashwin’s Advice for Kohli
Ashwin stressed that Kohli should stick to his strengths and not rush his innings in the 50-over format.
“Virat needs to play his natural game. If he finds his form, it will be a huge boost for India. There’s no need to hurry in ODIs—it’s about pacing the innings correctly,” he said.
India’s Road Ahead: ODIs Against England and Champions Trophy
India’s focus now shifts to the three-match ODI series against England, starting February 6 in Nagpur. This series will serve as a crucial preparatory phase before the eight-team Champions Trophy. India has been placed in Group A alongside New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Their campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
With Rohit Sharma leading an aggressive unit and Kohli expected to provide stability, India’s ODI approach will be under the spotlight as they aim for another ICC trophy.
