"It's good that they got such a break" - Former KKR batter's massive take on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs SA 2025 series

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) keeper-batter Manvinder Bisla feels that Team India stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma benefited from getting a long break post the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). He noted that the two senior players looked fresh physically and mentally during their comeback series.

The two ex-captains returned to action in India's recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia. Bisla pointed out that both players had played a lot of cricket for India for several years, and a break like this would have been a welcome change.

Bisla's comments came on the 'India Cricket Canteen' YouTube channel. He said:

At 10:02, "It is not an easy task to serve for how long they have. They have given 15-20 years to the Indian team; it's a very big thing. It's good that they got such a break after the IPL for the first time. They would have spent time with their families, and it was good to see them look so fresh physically and mentally."

While India lost the series 1-2, Sharma's form was a big positive for them. The veteran opener was the highest run-scorer of the series, amassing 202 runs across three innings.

He hit a match-winning century in the third ODI, remaining unbeaten on 121 off 125. Kohli too did an impressive job with the bat in the contest, scoring 74* from 81 deliveries. He redeemed himself after registering back-to-back ducks in the first two games.

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"These are two elder brothers of the Indian team" - Manvinder Bisla on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI futures

Manvinder Bisla emphasized that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's presence will be crucial for Team India on the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup. He mentioned that the two were like elder brothers who would make things easier for the other players.

The 40-year-old added in the same video:

At 10:44, "Rohit and Virat are very important for the Indian team, going forward. If there is an elder brother in the family, it becomes easy for the younger brother. These are two elder brothers of the Indian team."

Sharma and Kohli are expected to be part of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. The first encounter is set to take place at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday, November 30.