Shane Watson Backs ‘Champions’ Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of Australia ODIs

Shane Watson believed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would bounce back despite the challenge of playing just one format.

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has said that although it will be challenging for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play only one format of international cricket and still stay at the top of their game, one can never write off champions like the Indian duo.

Having retired from Tests and T20Is, both players will return to action for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in March, when India face Australia in the upcoming ODI series starting Sunday, October 19.

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Challenge for one-format players

Watson noted that maintaining peak performance while being a one-format player can be difficult, drawing a comparison to former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who lost his ODI place shortly after captaining the team.

“For Virat and Rohit, it is going to be a challenge playing just one format of international cricket. Getting their skills sharp again to face the best bowlers will take some adjustment,” Watson said while speaking on JioStar.

However, Watson backed the Indian stalwarts to find their rhythm soon, adding, “But you can never rule out champions and Virat and Rohit are exactly that. It may take a bit of time for them to find the right preparation, but once they do, they will be ready to go when they take on Australia.”

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Eyes on Rohit-Kohli reunion Down Under

With Shubman Gill taking over as India’s new ODI captain, the focus remains on Rohit and Kohli, who could be playing their last ODI series in Australia.

Watson further explained, “It might take a little time to find the right preparation rhythm to face the best bowlers in the world. But these two are as good as one-day batters get. It would not take them long to find the right formula and get back to their best; their class and consistency are second to none.”

Although India remain unbeaten in ODIs in 2025, Watson believes Australia have the ability to break that winning streak in the upcoming series.