As the Indian cricket team prepares for its highly anticipated ODI tour of Australia, commencing October 19th, former spinner Harbhajan Singh is backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to make a significant impact. The duo’s return to the ODI squad for this series, following their Test retirements after the Champions Trophy 2025, has already captured the attention of fans. Harbhajan is confident that both experienced players will be key performers.
Harbhajan Singh addressed potential concerns about Virat Kohli’s fitness head-on, praising his exceptional physical conditioning. “Please don’t ask any questions about Virat’s fitness. When it comes to fitness, he’s a guru. Everyone follows what he does,” Harbhajan insisted, highlighting Kohli’s status as a benchmark for fitness. He argued that Kohli remains one of the fittest players in world cricket, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport.
The former India spinner believes that Australian conditions will be conducive to success for both Rohit and Kohli. He specifically mentioned Kohli’s remarkable statistics in Australia, including 1,327 runs in 29 matches at an average of over 51. “He’s now heading to Australia, his favourite place to bat, and I’m sure he’ll once again show his mettle there,” Harbhajan stated. He also expressed strong confidence in Rohit, expecting both batsmen to contribute substantially to India’s quest for victory.
Harbhajan shared a personal aspiration for Kohli, hoping he scores at least two centuries across the three ODIs. He emphasized Kohli’s tendency to perform exceptionally well in crucial matches and challenging environments. “Some players thrive when things get difficult; that’s when they bring out their best. And Virat Kohli is one of those players,” Harbhajan commented, noting Kohli’s ability to deliver on big occasions. He sees Australia as a happy hunting ground for Kohli, especially with his recent IPL stint.
This series marks a notable comeback for Rohit and Kohli into international cricket. Both have reportedly dedicated themselves to rigorous training, aiming to build momentum for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan’s optimistic outlook reflects the widespread hope among cricket followers for a triumphant return and impactful performances from India’s premier batsmen Down Under.