<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his unwavering support to Virat Kohli for being able to counter his woes outside off-stump deliveries ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne. Kohli scored a hundred in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, in Perth, but fell flat in the next two games, due to his weakness outside off-stump. Thus, Rohit supported the 'modern-day great' in tackling his issues and becoming good at the MCG, with the five-match series tied at 1-1 after three Tests.</p></p>
<p>When asked if he had spoken to Kohli about his weakness, Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match presser, "You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues)."</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-head-coach-andrew-mcdonald-confirms-sam-konstas-debut-for-boxing-day-test-travis-head-uncertain-786336">BGT 2024/25: Head coach Andrew McDonald confirms Sam Konstas debut for Boxing Day Test; Travis Head uncertain</a></strong></p>
<p>Speaking of Rohit, Hitman has also struggled for runs in the ongoing series versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After missing the series opener, due to paternity leave, Rohit has had scores of 3, 6 and 10. He demoted himself from opening the innings to batting at No. 6 but the move hasn't paid dividends. He did this to ensure KL Rahul bats at the top, who has been in good form since the series opener.</p>
<p>On being asked about his batting spot, Rohit said, "Let's not worry about that. I think 'who bats where?' is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It's not something I should be discussing at every press conference. Whatever it takes for our team to look good or give the best chance to succeed, we will do that."</p>
<p>The Boxing Day Test commences on Thursday (Dec 26) as both sides will look to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. If India win, they will be able to retain the BGT once again, since 2016/17.</p>


BGT 2024/25: Indian captain Rohit Sharma backed 'modern-day great' Virat Kohli to come good vs outside off-stump deliveries in the Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne.



New Delhi, India Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his unwavering support to Virat Kohli for being able to counter his woes outside off-stump deliveries ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne. Kohli scored a hundred in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, in Perth, but fell flat in the next two games, due to his weakness outside off-stump. Thus, Rohit supported the 'modern-day great' in tackling his issues and becoming good at the MCG, with the five-match series tied at 1-1 after three Tests. When asked if he had spoken to Kohli about his weakness, Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match presser, "You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues)." Also read: BGT 2024/25: Head coach Andrew McDonald confirms Sam Konstas debut for Boxing Day Test; Travis Head uncertain Speaking of Rohit, Hitman has also struggled for runs in the ongoing series versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After missing the series opener, due to paternity leave, Rohit has had scores of 3, 6 and 10. He demoted himself from opening the innings to batting at No. 6 but the move hasn't paid dividends. He did this to ensure KL Rahul bats at the top, who has been in good form since the series opener. On being asked about his batting spot, Rohit said, "Let's not worry about that. I think 'who bats where?' is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It's not something I should be discussing at every press conference. Whatever it takes for our team to look good or give the best chance to succeed, we will do that." The Boxing Day Test commences on Thursday (Dec 26) as both sides will look to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. If India win, they will be able to retain the BGT once again, since 2016/17.

BGT: Rohit backs 'modern-day great' Kohli to come good vs outside off-stump deliveries in Boxing Day Test

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his unwavering support to Virat Kohli for being able to counter his woes outside off-stump deliveries ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne. Kohli scored a hundred in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, in Perth, but fell flat in the next two games, due to his weakness outside off-stump. Thus, Rohit supported the 'modern-day great' in tackling his issues and becoming good at the MCG, with the five-match series tied at 1-1 after three Tests.</p>

<p>When asked if he had spoken to Kohli about his&nbsp;weakness, Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match presser, "You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-head-coach-andrew-mcdonald-confirms-sam-konstas-debut-for-boxing-day-test-travis-head-uncertain-786336">BGT 2024/25: Head coach Andrew McDonald confirms Sam Konstas debut for Boxing Day Test; Travis Head uncertain</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking of Rohit, Hitman has also struggled for runs in the ongoing series versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After missing the series opener, due to paternity leave, Rohit has had scores of 3, 6 and 10. He demoted himself from opening the innings to batting at No. 6 but the move hasn't paid dividends. He did this to ensure KL Rahul bats at the top, who has been in good form since the series opener.</p>

<p>On being asked about his batting spot, Rohit said, "Let's not worry about that. I think 'who bats where?' is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It's not something I should be discussing at every press conference. Whatever it takes for our team to look good or give the best chance to succeed, we will do that."</p>

<p>The Boxing Day Test commences on Thursday (Dec 26) as both sides will look to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. If India win, they will be able to retain the BGT once again, since 2016/17.</p>


Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his unwavering support to Virat Kohli for being able to counter his woes outside off-stump deliveries ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his unwavering support to Virat Kohli for being able to counter his woes outside off-stump deliveries ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne. Kohli scored a hundred in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, in Perth, but fell flat in the next two games, due to his weakness outside off-stump. Thus, Rohit supported the 'modern-day great' in tackling his issues and becoming good at the MCG, with the five-match series tied at 1-1 after three Tests. When asked if he had spoken to Kohli about his weakness, Rohit Sharma said in the pre-match presser, "You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues)." Also read: BGT 2024/25: Head coach Andrew McDonald confirms Sam Konstas debut for Boxing Day Test; Travis Head uncertain Speaking of Rohit, Hitman has also struggled for runs in the ongoing series versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After missing the series opener, due to paternity leave, Rohit has had scores of 3, 6 and 10. He demoted himself from opening the innings to batting at No. 6 but the move hasn't paid dividends. He did this to ensure KL Rahul bats at the top, who has been in good form since the series opener. On being asked about his batting spot, Rohit said, "Let's not worry about that. I think 'who bats where?' is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It's not something I should be discussing at every press conference. Whatever it takes for our team to look good or give the best chance to succeed, we will do that." The Boxing Day Test commences on Thursday (Dec 26) as both sides will look to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. If India win, they will be able to retain the BGT once again, since 2016/17.

<p>Virat Kohli played one of his best knocks in an Indian shirt as the Men in Blue defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling encounter in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday. Kohli slammed a stunning unbeaten 82 off 53 deliveries to help India chase down the target of 160 runs and pull off a miraculous win at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).</p>

<p>An on-song Kohli produced yet another chasing masterclass as he bailed India out of trouble in the run-chase and kept them in the game till the final over before taking them over the line in what was an epic finish to the much-awaited clash. While Kohli admitted it was his best knock so far in his career, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments after India's famous win.</p>

<p>India were reeling at 31/4 at one stage in the run-chase when Kohli combined with Hardik Pandya to steady the ship. The duo added 113 runs for the fifth wicket before Hardik was dismissed on the first ball off the final over with India requiring 16 runs off five balls.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-are-the-king-twitter-hails-virat-kohli-after-his-chasing-masterclass-against-pakistan-in-t20-world-cup-527789">'You are the king': Twitter hails Virat Kohli after his chasing masterclass against Pakistan in T20 World Cup</a></p>

<p>Kohli then went on to pull off a heist as he scored 8 off the 16 required and six extra runs in the final over to get over the line after a dramatic finish. Rohit hailed Kohli in the post-match presentation for taking the game deep and rated his 82-run-knock as the best innings he has played for India.</p>

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<p>"Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that's more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India," Rohit said during the post-match presentation ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-it-was-meant-to-be-virat-kohli-after-india-pull-off-a-memorable-victory-over-pakistan-527780">'It was meant to be,' Virat Kohli after India pull off a memorable victory over Pakistan</a></p>

<p>When asked to describe his emotions after the thrilling win, Rohit said he had run out of words after witnessing Kohli pull off a masterclass from the dressing room. The Indian captain said the partnership between Kohli and Pandya was the crucial game-changer for India as they always knew they needed to bat out of their skin to chase down the tricky target.</p>

<p>"I was in the dressing room. I don't have any words left. You got to expect something like this in a game like this. We wanted to stay in the game for as long as possible. That crucial partnership was the game-changing moment for us," said Rohit.</p>

<p>After kicking off their campaign with a brilliant victory, India will look to carry on the winning momentum when they take on Netherlands in their next game on Thursday (October 27).</p>


Virat Kohli played one of his best knocks in an Indian shirt as the Men in Blue defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling encounter in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday.

Virat Kohli played one of his best knocks in an Indian shirt as the Men in Blue defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling encounter in the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday. Kohli slammed a stunning unbeaten 82 off 53 deliveries to help India chase down the target of 160 runs and pull off a miraculous win at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). An on-song Kohli produced yet another chasing masterclass as he bailed India out of trouble in the run-chase and kept them in the game till the final over before taking them over the line in what was an epic finish to the much-awaited clash. While Kohli admitted it was his best knock so far in his career, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments after India's famous win. India were reeling at 31/4 at one stage in the run-chase when Kohli combined with Hardik Pandya to steady the ship. The duo added 113 runs for the fifth wicket before Hardik was dismissed on the first ball off the final over with India requiring 16 runs off five balls. Also Read: 'You are the king': Twitter hails Virat Kohli after his chasing masterclass against Pakistan in T20 World Cup Kohli then went on to pull off a heist as he scored 8 off the 16 required and six extra runs in the final over to get over the line after a dramatic finish. Rohit hailed Kohli in the post-match presentation for taking the game deep and rated his 82-run-knock as the best innings he has played for India. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × "Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that's more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India," Rohit said during the post-match presentation ceremony. Also Read: 'It was meant to be,' Virat Kohli after India pull off a memorable victory over Pakistan When asked to describe his emotions after the thrilling win, Rohit said he had run out of words after witnessing Kohli pull off a masterclass from the dressing room. The Indian captain said the partnership between Kohli and Pandya was the crucial game-changer for India as they always knew they needed to bat out of their skin to chase down the tricky target. "I was in the dressing room. I don't have any words left. You got to expect something like this in a game like this. We wanted to stay in the game for as long as possible. That crucial partnership was the game-changing moment for us," said Rohit. After kicking off their campaign with a brilliant victory, India will look to carry on the winning momentum when they take on Netherlands in their next game on Thursday (October 27).

His best innings: Rohit Sharma lauds Virat Kohli after his match-winning 82 against Pakistan

From Rohit Sharma to Babar Azam: How cricket fraternity has reacted to Virat Kohli's poor form

<p>Virat Kohli once again had a disappointing outing with the bat during Rohit Sharma-led India's 100-run loss at the hands of England in the second and penultimate ODI, on Thursday (July 14) at Lord's. After Indian bowlers once again did a fine job and dismissed Jos Buttler &amp; Co. for 246, many expected the Indian batters to come to the party and help visitors take an unassailable 2-0 lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, none of the Indian batters played a long inning to take the team forward in the chase as they fell for a paltry 146 in 38.5 overs. Talking about Kohli -- whose last fifty for India came in mid-February this year and his century-drought continues since late 2019 -- the No. 3 batter struck some wondeful boundaries before falling for a 25-ball 16, off David Willey. Thus, skipper Rohit was asked about Kohli in the post-match presser and the 35-year-old has backed his predecessor once again. For the unversed, Rohit looked puzzled by yet another question on Kohli's form, however, he carried on to share his thoughts.</p>

<p><strong>Reporter</strong>:&nbsp;<em>"Virat Kohli ke baare me inti baat ho rahi hai?"</em>&nbsp;(So much is being talked about Kohli)</p>

<p><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong>:&nbsp;<em>"Kyon ho rahi hai, matlab mujhe samajh me nhi aata hai? Yaar matlab bande ne itne run banaye hai, mujhe to samajh nahi aa raha form pe discussion kyun ho rhi hai.</em>&nbsp;(Why is it happening, I do not understand? Someone who has made so many runs is being questioned over his form. I don't understand this). Here's the video:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma again backed Virat Kohli. Great gesture by Skipper. <a href="https://t.co/C8HEYnajgj">pic.twitter.com/C8HEYnajgj</a></p>
— Rohit Sharma Fanclub India (@Imro_fanclub) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imro_fanclub/status/1547761793304776704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-too-shall-pass-babar-azam-wins-hearts-with-his-tweet-for-virat-kohli-backs-him-to-end-lean-patch-497550">'This too shall pass' - Babar Azam wins hearts with his tweet for Virat Kohli, backs him to end lean patch</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit further pointed out that a player of a calibre of Kohli doesn't need any assurance and stressed that form is something which will keep going up and down. "Virat Kohli is such a great batsman. He has been playing for so many years and he has won so many matches for the team. He doesn't need any reassurance. You can see quality of player, form ups &amp; down in everyone's career. Look at how many runs he has scored &amp; centuries scored. Look at his averages. He won many matches for India. He is great Batsman," he added.</p>

<p>India and England will now meet in the third and final ODI, i.e. the tour's last game, in Manchester on Sunday (July 17) with the series tied at 1-1. Will Kohli stand tall with the bat for India in the series decider? Only time will tell...</p>


Virat Kohli once again had a disappointing outing with the bat during Rohit Sharma-led India's 100-run loss at the hands of England in the second and penultimate ODI, on Thursday (July 14) at Lord's.

Virat Kohli once again had a disappointing outing with the bat during Rohit Sharma-led India's 100-run loss at the hands of England in the second and penultimate ODI, on Thursday (July 14) at Lord's. After Indian bowlers once again did a fine job and dismissed Jos Buttler & Co. for 246, many expected the Indian batters to come to the party and help visitors take an unassailable 2-0 lead. However, none of the Indian batters played a long inning to take the team forward in the chase as they fell for a paltry 146 in 38.5 overs. Talking about Kohli -- whose last fifty for India came in mid-February this year and his century-drought continues since late 2019 -- the No. 3 batter struck some wondeful boundaries before falling for a 25-ball 16, off David Willey. Thus, skipper Rohit was asked about Kohli in the post-match presser and the 35-year-old has backed his predecessor once again. For the unversed, Rohit looked puzzled by yet another question on Kohli's form, however, he carried on to share his thoughts. Reporter: "Virat Kohli ke baare me inti baat ho rahi hai?" (So much is being talked about Kohli) Rohit Sharma: "Kyon ho rahi hai, matlab mujhe samajh me nhi aata hai? Yaar matlab bande ne itne run banaye hai, mujhe to samajh nahi aa raha form pe discussion kyun ho rhi hai. (Why is it happening, I do not understand? Someone who has made so many runs is being questioned over his form. I don't understand this). Here's the video: Rohit Sharma again backed Virat Kohli. Great gesture by Skipper. pic.twitter.com/C8HEYnajgj — Rohit Sharma Fanclub India (@Imro_fanclub) July 15, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'This too shall pass' - Babar Azam wins hearts with his tweet for Virat Kohli, backs him to end lean patch Rohit further pointed out that a player of a calibre of Kohli doesn't need any assurance and stressed that form is something which will keep going up and down. "Virat Kohli is such a great batsman. He has been playing for so many years and he has won so many matches for the team. He doesn't need any reassurance. You can see quality of player, form ups & down in everyone's career. Look at how many runs he has scored & centuries scored. Look at his averages. He won many matches for India. He is great Batsman," he added. India and England will now meet in the third and final ODI, i.e. the tour's last game, in Manchester on Sunday (July 17) with the series tied at 1-1. Will Kohli stand tall with the bat for India in the series decider? Only time will tell...

WATCH: 'Why is it happening?' - Rohit Sharma on talks regarding under-fire Virat Kohli

<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma responds to talks about Virat Kohli's 'poor performance' and apparent 'lean patch' after leading the team to a 3-0 home series win against West Indies in the One-Day Internationals (ODI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a dominating performance, India registered a thumping 96-run victory in the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (February 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post-match virtual press conference, Sharma praised the team, especially the work done by the middle order. He said, "In one-day cricket, numbers four, five and six are very, very important numbers. Some of the greats of Indian cricket batted at that number."</p>

<p>He added, "I think it's a very crucial number. For us, whoever bats at four, five, six, they get enough game-time and if we have the bowling option in those guys, nothing like it. Honestly, for me, it's important for them to have as much game-time as possible. We have got a lot of candidates for that number."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-to-rcb-a-look-at-the-remaining-purse-of-all-ten-teams-ahead-of-ipl-2022-mega-auction-452459">CSK to RCB: A look at the remaining purse of all ten teams ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit strongly backed the former ODI skipper Kohli, who is often regarded as his rival. During the match, Kohli&nbsp;was dismissed for a two-ball duck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the previous two matches of the same series, Kohli scored eight and 18 runs. He completed the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a tally of only 26 runs, which is the worst performance by him in a three-match ODI series since 2013. In 2013, he had managed only 31 runs in three matches against South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-seen-in-chahals-pocket-dwayne-bravos-missing-post-for-kieron-pollard-is-hilarious-452448">'Last Seen: In Chahal's pocket': Dwayne Bravo's 'MISSING' post for Kieron Pollard is hilarious</a></strong></p>

<p>While responding to the question on whether the team management was worried over the continued lean patch of Kohli, Sharma laughed and said: "Virat Kohli needs to be given confidence? What are you saying yaar?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Not making a hundred is a different thing. He played in the series against South Africa, where he got two half-centuries in three games. I don't see anything wrong and team management is not worried about that."&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Rohit Sharma responds to talks about Virat Kohli's 'poor performance' and apparent 'lean patch' after leading the team to a 3-0 home series win against West Indies in the One-Day Internationals (ODI).

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma responds to talks about Virat Kohli's 'poor performance' and apparent 'lean patch' after leading the team to a 3-0 home series win against West Indies in the One-Day Internationals (ODI). After a dominating performance, India registered a thumping 96-run victory in the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (February 11). In the post-match virtual press conference, Sharma praised the team, especially the work done by the middle order. He said, "In one-day cricket, numbers four, five and six are very, very important numbers. Some of the greats of Indian cricket batted at that number." He added, "I think it's a very crucial number. For us, whoever bats at four, five, six, they get enough game-time and if we have the bowling option in those guys, nothing like it. Honestly, for me, it's important for them to have as much game-time as possible. We have got a lot of candidates for that number." ALSO READ | CSK to RCB: A look at the remaining purse of all ten teams ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction Rohit strongly backed the former ODI skipper Kohli, who is often regarded as his rival. During the match, Kohli was dismissed for a two-ball duck. In the previous two matches of the same series, Kohli scored eight and 18 runs. He completed the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a tally of only 26 runs, which is the worst performance by him in a three-match ODI series since 2013. In 2013, he had managed only 31 runs in three matches against South Africa. ALSO READ | 'Last Seen: In Chahal's pocket': Dwayne Bravo's 'MISSING' post for Kieron Pollard is hilarious While responding to the question on whether the team management was worried over the continued lean patch of Kohli, Sharma laughed and said: "Virat Kohli needs to be given confidence? What are you saying yaar?" He added, "Not making a hundred is a different thing. He played in the series against South Africa, where he got two half-centuries in three games. I don't see anything wrong and team management is not worried about that."

'Virat needs confidence?' Rohit Sharma reacts to questions over Kohli's continued lean patch