Gautam Gambhir Backs Aggressive ODI Approach; Ashwin Confident in Kohli-Rohit Duo

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has reiterated his commitment to an aggressive style of cricket in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Ravi Ashwin believes senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can adapt to this approach, providing both entertainment and effectiveness on the field.

Ashwin stressed that Kohli should serve as the stabilizing force for the team, while Rohit continues his attacking form, as witnessed in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Following the conclusion of the India vs. England T20I series, attention now turns to a three-match ODI series between the two teams before the ICC Champions Trophy.

With India aiming for an aggressive style of play, Ashwin remains confident that the squad will meet expectations. He highlighted Kohli’s importance as the glue connecting the aggressive top order with the lower order, while Rohit is expected to lead from the front with his fearless brand of cricket.

Ashwin on Kohli’s Role in India’s ODI Strategy

On his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin explained, “It is important to realise Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting on top and finishing the batting in the latter end? Virat. Virat has to play to his strengths, and if he regains form, then there is nothing like it for the Indian cricket team. He doesn’t have to change his game at all. Honestly, what is the hurry in ODIs? It is important to do what is right by the 50-over format.”

During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli emerged as the leading run-scorer, with Rohit Sharma closely behind him. Ashwin firmly believes that Rohit does not need to alter his playing style and should continue setting the tone for the team.

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership and Adaptability

Ashwin elaborated on Rohit’s adaptability, stating, “Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don’t think he would have an issue. The way Rohit has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, I don’t think he will take a step back from the template.”

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also voiced support for Kohli and Rohit, asserting that the duo still has a few strong years left in them.

Addressing the scrutiny on their form after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pietersen emphasized their contributions to Indian cricket and their potential to continue delivering match-winning performances.

Kohli and Rohit’s Recent Form and Upcoming Challenges

Both players recently participated in the Ranji Trophy, representing Mumbai and Delhi, respectively. However, their performances fell short of expectations.

Their next major assignment is the three-match ODI series against England, which will serve as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.

Speaking to Star Sports, Pietersen stated, “These guys don’t need to prove anything to anybody. They are legends of the game. They are wonderful entertainers. These guys have another couple of years. He (Virat Kohli) is the best chaser that you ever had in this country.”

Pietersen further emphasized Kohli’s ability to chase and win matches, adding, “There is no single batter in the world that has chased and won more games for the country than Virat Kohli. When he turns up, he’s gotta play.”

Pietersen on Rohit Sharma’s Special Talent

Recalling Rohit Sharma’s early career, Pietersen shared, “I absolutely love both of them. I remember back in 2012… I think it was a T20 or a 50-over World Cup when Rohit was making his way into the Indian team. I think there was a bit of criticism about him and I said this young kid is gonna be very, very special. He needs to be looked after and be played.”

He praised Rohit’s ability to handle fast bowling and his aggressive approach, saying, “You’ve seen that throughout his career. He was one of the first batters that went to Australia and dominated. If they bowled short at 140 km/h, he pulled them off his nose for sixes. He was great from the start and has continued to be great ever since.”

India’s Preparations for the England Series and Champions Trophy

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have arrived in Nagpur for the upcoming ODI series against England, beginning on February 6.

With Gautam Gambhir advocating for an aggressive approach, Ravichandran Ashwin remains confident that both players can deliver under pressure.

After India’s dominant 4-1 victory in the T20I series against England, Gambhir reiterated that the team’s goal in ODIs would be to score big, consistently targeting 250-260 runs in their innings.

Ashwin reinforced this strategy on his YouTube channel, stating, “Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don’t think he would have an issue. The way Rohit has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, I don’t think he will take a step back from the template.”

Kohli’s Role as the Anchor in India’s Aggressive Approach

While India looks to maintain an attacking mindset, Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli’s stability is crucial to the team’s balance in ODIs.

He explained, “It is important to realize Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting on top and finishing the batting on the latter end? Virat.”

With India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh scheduled for February 20, Kohli’s experience and ability to chase will be pivotal.

Ashwin concluded, “Virat has to play to his strengths, and if he regains form, then there is nothing like it for the Indian cricket team. He doesn’t have to change his game at all. Honestly, what is the hurry in ODIs? It is important to do what is right by the 50-over format.”