"He is back in the form he had before the pandemic" - Deep Dasgupta’s massive claim on star batter after IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has praised veteran cricketer Virat Kohli for his stellar performance in the ODI series against South Africa, which India won 2-1. The Delhi-born batter was named Player of the Series after scoring 302 runs at an average of 151.00 with a strike rate of 117.05, including two centuries and one fifty.

On Saturday, December 13, during his appearance on a YouTube interview with KADAK, the 48-year-old claimed that Kohli looked like his 2017-18 version. Deep Dasgupta said:

“The freedom that has been visible in his batting has been very special. In my view, it feels like he is back in the kind of form he had before the pandemic. Watching him bat reminded me of the 2017-18 version of Virat, the way he was batting then.”

He further praised Rohit Sharma for his fitness, who also impressed in the series, making 146 runs in three innings, hitting two fifties. Deep noted that both batters looked hungry to perform, which was evident in their approach to the game. Deep Dasgupta stated:

“And if we also talk about Rohit, when you look at him, the kind of hard work he has put into his fitness and into himself shows that mentally he is in a very good place. Both of them are more than just technical players. Of course, they have all those qualities, which is why they are such big players.”

“But the most important thing, I feel, at this stage of their careers, is where they stand mentally. Do they still have that hunger? Do they still have the same hunger to work hard? Because as you get older, the kind of effort required changes and often increases. When you are 22 or 23, many things come a bit more easily. But when you reach 32 or 33, it becomes a little more difficult. Yet that same hunger is clearly visible in them. Whether you look at their fitness, their style of play, or their approach to the game, it shows in their mindset,” he added.

Kohli and Rohit now play only 50-over cricket for India, having retired from Test and T20I formats.

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“As far as I am concerned, there is no doubt in my mind” - Deep Dasgupta confident about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s chances in the 2027 World Cup

In the same discussion, Deep Dasgupta pointed out that while talks about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup continue, the tournament is still two years away. He said that if their form remains close to their current levels, the duo will almost certainly feature in the mega event. In fact, if he were to pick a team today, the first two names on his list would be theirs. Deep Dasgupta said:

“Yes, it is there in everyone’s mind, people keep thinking about 2027. But even if we talk about the 2027 World Cup, it is still about two years away. So today, if we sit and try to predict what will happen two years from now, whether it is Rohit, Virat, or anyone else, it is very difficult. However, what you can say is that if their form remains anywhere close to what it is now, then they will definitely play. And as I said, that hunger is clearly visible in both of them, and that hunger will continue. So as far as I am concerned, there is no doubt in my mind.”

“The way both of them are batting at the moment really reminds me of the old days, from five, seven, or eight years ago, when they were at their peak. That is the kind of cricket I see them playing right now. So obviously, if I had to pick a team today, without any doubt, with my eyes closed, the first two names would be theirs. There is absolutely no debate about that. And as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned, absolutely, if they can maintain this kind of mindset, then yes, without any doubt, there is no second opinion on that,” he added.

The duo will next represent India in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11.