"You have to treat them differently" - Former India coach's massive statement on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli after IND vs SA 2025 3rd ODI

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has asked the team management to treat senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli differently owing to their match-winning abilities. The coach-turned-commentator stressed that the duo doesn’t need to play as many games to regain their mojo, given their over a decade-long years of experience in international cricket. He added that two batters are fit and hungry to deliver for the team, adding their spots should never be questioned in the only format they play.

The remarks came amid reports that Kohli and Rohit will play the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, respectively.

Notably, Kohli emerged as the Player of the Series following his 135 (120). 102 (93), and 65* (45) in the three-match series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Rohit continued his impressive form after winning the Player of the Series award in Australia in October. The 38-year-old slammed 57 (51) and 75 (73) in the first and third ODIs, respectively, against the Proteas. With their recent performances, the two players have shut the critics with the bat.

Bangar told JioHotstar (via PTI/The Times of India):

“Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space.”

“I don't think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years. They have retired from two formats, so it's obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don't need to play as many matches as a younger player,” he added.

The 53-year-old stressed that the two players are like beasts when they are 'on song', adding that they turned things around after a humiliating 1-3 loss in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He continued:

“When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere."

“After the humiliating loss in the Test series, they must have spoken to the boys. They helped put things behind and play with freedom and authority, giving the whole team supreme confidence," Bangar concluded.

“They are doing what they do” – India coach in awe of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir also showered his praise on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their contributions as India beat South Africa by nine wickets in the series decider in Vizag. He said in the post-match press conference (via Zee News):

“They (Ro-Ko) are quality players. They are world-class players in the format. Their experience is important in the dressing room. They are quality players in the format. They are doing what they do. They have been doing it for a long time. Hopefully, they can continue doing the same, which is always going to be important come the white ball format and the 50-over format.”

The duo will next be seen in action in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11.