WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli unleash big shots in the nets ahead of first ODI vs England

Indian cricket team led by Rohit Sharma is putting in the shift ahead of the first ODI match against England. The three-match series is being seen as a preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put out a short video of Rohit and Virat Kohli batting in the nets. 

India’s veteran duo has been under the cloud for their poor run of scores in recent times. Rohit and Virat both played Ranji Trophy matches for Mumbai and Delhi respectively without much success. The next few months are crucial for the pair not only from an individual point of view but also for the national side. 

📍 Nagpur

Gearing up for the #INDvENG ODI series opener..

..in Ro-Ko style 😎#TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/gR2An4tTk0

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2025

BCCI’s video showed Rohit Sharma practicing sweeps and reverse sweep as well as his patented pull shots. The 37-year-old used his feet well and was seen focusing on the paddle sweeps and scoop shots as well. Virat Kohli on the other hand was seen getting into the groove as well with his wristy flicks. 

Kevin Pietersen backs India’s veteran duo

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has put his weight behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and back them to do well. The 43-year-old is in India as part of the commentary team for the ongoing tour. PTI quoted Pietersen as saying, “It’s unfair. How can you tell somebody who's scored as many runs as these guys, they must retire? Yes, it's a discussion and it's a topic I get it, I understand it, but they deserve more respect than that.”

“Having had exactly the same challenges in my career, it happens. Rohit and Virat are not robots. They don't walk out there and get a hundred every time they bat. Maybe they had one bad Australian tour. Does that make them bad people? No. Does it make them bad cricketers? Absolutely not,” Pietersen further added. 

The former England skipper also said, “You guys need to understand, these guys are human beings. You give them bamboo now, but at the end of their careers, you look back and how did they make you feel when they played? They made people feel happy."