Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has come out in strong support of batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma amid widespread criticism of their recent performances in Test cricket. Both players struggled with the bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, sparking debates about their future in the team. However, Sidhu has urged patience and respect for the duo, citing examples of other great players who endured similar slumps but bounced back.
A Challenging Series for Kohli and Rohit
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy proved to be a tough outing for India’s top batters. Virat Kohli managed to score only 190 runs across five Tests, despite a century in the first match. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, scored just 31 runs across five innings before missing the final Test due to poor form. These performances have led to questions about their place in the side, particularly in the longest format of the game.
Sidhu’s Call for Patience
Speaking to Sports Today, Sidhu highlighted the need to give struggling players time to regain their form. He compared Kohli and Rohit’s current challenges to those faced by cricketing legends like Mark Taylor and Sourav Ganguly.
“If a player is out of form for two months, you cannot dismiss them. You have to allow them time to refresh and come back stronger. Mark Taylor struggled for 1.5 years, and players like Azharuddin and Ganguly also had their slumps but returned with brilliant performances. It just takes one innings to turn things around,” Sidhu explained.
Kohli and Rohit’s Contributions Deserve Recognition
Sidhu reminded critics of Kohli and Rohit’s pivotal contributions to India’s T20 World Cup triumph just six months ago. He emphasized the importance of backing these players as India transitions to the ODI season.
“You cannot just target Kohli and Rohit while ignoring others. They have shown remarkable consistency in the past. Criticizing and blaming is easy, but building something positive takes effort. These two players are examples of resilience and hard work,” Sidhu stated.
Criticism Crosses the Line
Sidhu expressed disappointment over the personal attacks faced by Kohli, particularly involving his wife, Anushka Sharma. He urged fans to maintain respect for their cricketing heroes.
“It’s not the first time Kohli has faced criticism, but dragging his family into it is unacceptable. We must respect our players and understand that everyone goes through tough phases. Patience is key,” he said.
Road to Redemption
Sidhu is optimistic about Kohli and Rohit overcoming their struggles. He believes Kohli’s analytical approach and dedication will help him address technical issues, while Rohit needs to focus on improving his fitness.
“Kohli will watch his videos, identify his weaknesses, and find a way to fix them. As for Rohit, he is a brilliant player, but fitness is an area he needs to work on,” Sidhu added.
A Message for Fans
Sidhu concluded with a powerful message for fans, urging them to support their heroes through difficult times. “These players have given their all for the country. Instead of throwing stones, let’s build them up and show respect. Their best is yet to come,” he said.
As Team India gears up for an exciting ODI season, Sidhu’s words remind us of the importance of patience and encouragement in the journey of any sportsperson.
