If they don’t step up and inspire, the rest will find it very difficult – MSK Prasad feels Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will hold the key for Australia Tests

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad reckons it is imperative for the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to step up in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia. Prasad feels if Rohit and Kohli don’t inspire, the remaining players will find it very difficult to deliver the goods.

The talismanic duo haven’t been at their best in the recent past and their form is certainly a cause of concern for the team before the crucial series against Australia. 

While Kohli returned with scores of 1 and 17 in the second Test against New Zealand at Pune, Sharma could only manage scores of 0 and 8 as India suffered a 113-run loss.

“Absolutely right, because if they don’t step up and inspire, the rest will find it very difficult. Both of their styles suit these kinds of conditions much better. Anything hard and bouncy, both of them really enjoy,” MSK Prasad said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues when asked about Kohli and Rohit’s role for Australia tour.

“I don’t know when Virat is going to come back to Australia again but he would love to complete this series on a very, very high and top-notch performance, and that’s what exactly I am expecting both from Virat and Rohit,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter added.

Prasad hailed Kohli’s impressive record in the Australian conditions and said the linchpin is like a duck to water while playing in Australia.

“Virat Kohli is like a duck getting into the water when he goes to Australia. He loves these conditions and probably he must be eagerly itching to just finish off this Wankhede Test match and then go and play in Australia because he loves that,” he said.

Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.