R Ashwin praised Rohit Sharma’s renewed fitness and lean look after his brilliant batting display in the ODI series against Australia. Despite India losing the series 2–1, Rohit was named Player of the Series for his consistent form in all three matches.
Rohit scored 202 runs at a strike rate of 85.59, including a stunning unbeaten 121 off 125 balls in the third ODI. His innings featured 13 fours and 3 sixes and included a 168-run stand with Virat Kohli that reminded fans of India’s golden batting days.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that there was never any doubt about Rohit’s batting quality, but his improved fitness is making a clear difference.
“Rohit looks well fit and lean, he can run and gets going. The quality of batting is always there, but when you are fit, you lose weight, you can feel light and your skills will take over. Rohit looks a million bucks. He looks all set and ready,” Ashwin said.
He added that it was unfair for anyone to doubt Rohit’s form.
“I don’t understand why some people didn’t expect him to score. He has been one of your best white-ball hitters in the last 10 years. I was always confident that he and Virat would both score runs,” Ashwin noted.
Kohli also returned to form and scored 74 off 81 balls in the final ODI. Ashwin admitted Kohli was not at his best but still managed to find runs when India needed them.
“Virat was not at his best, but he still found a way to get those runs. The straight drive he played was a sight to behold. All his fans will be very happy today,” Ashwin said.
Both Rohit and Kohli made their comeback to ODIs after taking a short break from international cricket, following their retirement from T20Is and Tests. Their experience and form will be crucial as India now prepares for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.
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