“Dangerous to write off based on their age,” Joe Root says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be underestimated 

Joe Root says there is a lot to learn from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“Dangerous to write off based on their age,” Joe Root says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be underestimated 

Virat Kohli and Rohit during the 2019 ODI World Cup (Image via The Statemen)

English batsman and ex- captain, Joe Root, said teams should not write off Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli due to their ages. Joe Root recently was interviewed by Times of India and talked about the two stars. 

When asked if Rohit and Virat should retire from T20Is to make space for younger players. Joe Root replied, “I think it’s very dangerous to write off players like Virat and Rohit because of their age. Look at how long Chris Gayle, for example, played T20 cricket. Some of the best players in the world have gone longer, especially in T20 cricket, and have been wonderful with their performances. As long as you’re fit, you go on and play.”

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He took the example of England legend James Anderson as well. He said despite Anderson being 40 years old, he is leading the English bowling attack. They use his experience and skill to their advantage. 

When asked who could replace the duo in the future, he said that’s not for him to talk about. He said both have been wonderful for the team and it’s amazing how consistent they have been for India. Root claimed as professionals, he learns from their game.

Related: Virat Kohli vs Joe Root: Is Virat Kohli losing the Fab Four race?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performances in the 2023 Asia Cup 

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Rohit Sharma (L) during his innings against Sri Lanka and Virat Kohli (R) celebrates his century against Pakistan (Images via X)

India have played 4 matches so far in the 2023 Asia Cup. India’s first game was against Pakistan, where both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had underperformed. Both, Rohit and Kohli, had gotten bowled by Shaheen Afridi. In the next match against Nepal, Rohit scored 74 runs off 59 balls, while Kohli didn’t bat. 

Against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage, Rohit scored 56 off 49 before getting caught. Virat on the other hand scored 122 runs off 94 balls, winning man of the match. Against Sri Lanka, Rohit had scored his 3rd half century of the tournament, while also becoming the 6th Indian to score 10,000 runs in ODIs. Virat was dismissed for 3 runs by youngster Dunith Wellalage. Wellalage clean bowled Rohit an over later as well. 

India have qualified for the finals of the 2023 Asia Cup, which will be held on 17th September. They will face Bangladesh on 15th September in the R. Premadasa Stadium. 

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