Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson termed the Indian team not being able to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as ‘unfortunate’ but said that this ICC tournament will give star batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma an opportunity to overcome their long-standing poor form. Will get a chance.
The ICC has approved holding the Champions Trophy in a ‘hybrid’ model in which all the matches of the Indian team will be played in Dubai. Watson told the media during the Champions Trophy tour here, “It is unfortunate that such a situation has arisen.” But there is no doubt that India. Everyone waits for Pakistan matches. Whenever they play against each other it’s special.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the Indian team is not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy but what can be done about it.” Watson said that the Champions Trophy is to bridge the gap of four years between the two ODI World Cups. It is a good source.
He said, “Champions Trophy is an important tournament in world cricket because the ODI World Cup is held once in four years. It reduces that wait.” He said, ”It is important to keep giving this kind of energy to ODI cricket because it is a great format. It creates a balance between Test cricket and T20.” Watson said, ‘ ‘We never want to lose ODI cricket but it is also important to keep it relevant and that is why the Champions Trophy is important. Only eight teams play in this and every ball is important. You have to play well consistently otherwise you will be eliminated like the Australian team was in 2013.
India won the 2013 Champions Trophy and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were part of that team. Both are struggling with poor form at the moment but Watson said that it is not a matter of concern. He said, “I don’t think the current Khaab era will have any impact on the influence of Virat and Rohit in ODI cricket. The conditions will be different in Dubai and they will be able to play freely in ODIs. Kohli is the king of ODI cricket. Although he is the best player in every format but in ODI he is a different thing.
Watson said, “Rohit will be in his best form in the Champions Trophy which we saw in the ODI World Cup (2023). He could not repeat it in Test cricket in Australia but he will play freely in ODIs.” In such a situation, we will be able to see the best performance of Rohit Sharma.
