‘That is going to remain a challenge’ – Deep Dasgupta on Kohli and Rohit ahead of New Zealand ODI series

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. (Photo source: Getty Images)

The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand begins on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the squad. Both players now compete exclusively in ODI cricket for India following their retirement from Test cricket two years ago, a transition that has created distinct challenges as they prepare for this tour.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has identified a significant concern for both batters. The long intervals between ODI appearances will make it difficult for Kohli and Rohit to maintain consistent rhythm and peak performance throughout the series, according to Dasgupta’s assessment.

“That is going to remain a challenge whenever they come for an ODI series. There are chances that they will come after gaps of one and a half or two months. It’s been two years since they retired from Tests,” Dasgupta said in his recent YouTube video.

“The first year or so is the toughest because you don’t know how to schedule and stay at peak performance. When they were playing all formats, they knew they had to be at peak performance all the time. But in such situations, you need to know when to hit the peak because it will be difficult to sustain that in practice,” he added.

How will Kohli and Rohit adapt to gaps between ODI matches?

However, Dasgupta acknowledged that both players have developed effective systems to manage their preparation and performance timing. He expressed confidence that Kohli and Rohit have now adapted sufficiently to perform at their best from the opening match of any series.

“They’ve figured out their systems, and chances are that Virat and Rohit have different systems. I’m quite sure by now they know how to be spot on from the first game,” Dasgupta said.

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Beyond the broader challenge of managing gaps between matches, Dasgupta highlighted a specific tactical concern for Rohit Sharma at Eden Park. The ground’s larger square boundaries present a disadvantage for the India captain, whose batting strength lies in playing short-pitched deliveries effectively.

“The ground dimensions are against Rohit in the first game because of the square boundaries. New Zealand have quick bowlers as well, and it’s obvious that they won’t bowl too full when there are big square boundaries. It will be a good fight between the New Zealand quicks and Rohit,” Dasgupta concluded.

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