Image: Despite recent struggles, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli trained intensely for the upcoming ODI series / © Mint
In the lead-up to the ODI series against England, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli trained rigorously in the nets at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The duo is preparing with a keen focus on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they remain two of the three surviving members from India’s victorious 2013 squad. Rohit continued his aggressive approach from the 2023 ODI World Cup, while Kohli displayed his trademark elegance.
However, both stalwarts have struggled for form recently. In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India lost 3-1, Rohit managed just 31 runs in five innings, while Kohli scored 190 runs across nine innings. Their struggles continued in domestic cricket, with Rohit scoring 3 and 28 in Mumbai’s match against J&K and Kohli managing just 6 against Railways for Delhi.
Despite these setbacks, the duo remains key to India’s plans. Having retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, their focus is now on ODIs. As India recently dominated England 4-1 in the T20I series without them, their return to the 50-over format will be crucial. The BCCI shared videos of their practice session, highlighting their preparations ahead of the first ODI.