New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasizing their essential roles in the Indian cricket team. He stated that there should never have been any doubt regarding their positions.

Both Kohli and Rohit showcased remarkable performances in the recent ODI series against South Africa, which India won by a score of 2-1. Rohit contributed two half-centuries in three matches, with scores of 57 and 75 in the first and third ODIs, while Kohli amassed a total of 302 runs, including two centuries and an unbeaten half-century.

"I don’t believe the question of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's spots in the team should have arisen. Just look at their achievements over the years. Having retired from two formats, they might only need a few sessions to regain their rhythm, as they have demonstrated this repeatedly. They don’t require as many matches as younger players," Bangar remarked during an interview on JioHotstar.

"Once they are fit and eager, you want players of that caliber. They deserve special treatment and the necessary space. Their presence alone can transform the dressing room atmosphere. Following the disappointing Test series loss, they likely motivated the team to move forward and play with confidence and freedom," he added.

The Indian top-order excelled in the final ODI, securing the series after the bowlers effectively limited the South African team’s total. Along with Kohli and Rohit, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his maiden ODI century, marking a memorable day for the Indian batting lineup.

Bangar commended their performance, stating, "The batting display from all three Indian batsmen was outstanding. They took full advantage of the conditions. What they lacked in the first two matches, they compensated for here with a better pitch."

"Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were composed. They didn’t push too hard, simply settling into their game. Rohit understood that he wouldn’t be playing internationally for 30-40 days, while Jaiswal was finding his groove in 50-over cricket. When Virat Kohli came in, he added an entertaining flair. The fluency he displayed was a joy to watch, and he appeared to be in peak form."

Discussing Jaiswal's potential as an opening batsman, Bangar noted, "Beyond this specific innings, consider Yashasvi Jaiswal’s future in Indian cricket. He’s already an established Test opener. Anyone who has batted at the top knows how challenging consistency is in Test cricket. However, opening in white-ball matches also equips you to handle the pressures of international cricket better.

“It keeps you engaged, allows you to face international bowlers consistently, and leads to crucial performances. This enables you to carry form across formats. Currently, with Rohit opening, Jaiswal might not play regularly. But once Rohit retires, I can clearly see him and Shubman Gill thriving in the top order in white-ball cricket, which will also enhance their Test performances.