Virat Kohli’s redemption, Joe Root’s return: ODI series set for fireworks

Dubai: Two of cricket’s finest craftsmen, Virat Kohli and Joe Root, find themselves at a crossroads. One is battling a rare slump, the other is returning to a format he once ruled. As India and England gear up for a high-stakes ODI series, these two modern greats have a point to prove — reminding the world why their names are etched in cricketing history.

Kohli, once the undisputed king of run chases, is searching for rhythm after a lean patch in Tests, while Root, a picture of consistency, is making his much-anticipated return to England’s ODI set-up. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon and a new generation of fearless cricketers staking their claims, the stakes are higher than ever. As the three-match series kicks off in Nagpur, both stalwarts have a chance to silence doubts and reaffirm their legacy.

The two batters, both set to play in the Champions Trophy, enter the series in contrasting form. Kohli has struggled in Tests, and his attempt to regain confidence in domestic cricket also fell short. Deliveries outside off-stump have troubled him, a weakness that has resurfaced after haunting him in 2015. But history suggests that writing off Kohli is always a mistake — he overcame similar challenges before and returned stronger.

Adding to India’s concerns, skipper Rohit Sharma has also been out of form, leaving the team’s experienced duo under scrutiny. Meanwhile, India’s young guns dismantled England’s bowling attack in the recent T20I series, further shifting the spotlight onto Kohli and Rohit.

Despite the murmurs about their form, former England captain Kevin Pietersen came to their defence.

“(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,” Pietersen told PTI.

“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.”

Kohli’s star power remains unquestionable. When he returned to play for his state side Delhi after 13 years, fans packed the stadium. The moment he got out, they vanished — a testament to his unmatched influence in Indian cricket.

While Kohli searches for runs, Root has been in ruthless touch, piling up six centuries in 2024. That dominance has carried into his T20 performances as well, with three unbeaten half-centuries — including a top score of 92 not out — for Paarl Royals in the SA20 last month. The 34-year-old had to leave the tournament midway to answer England’s call.

“When you commit to doing something, you want to see it through and be there for the whole tournament, but at the same time, playing for England and international cricket is always the pinnacle of the sport,” Root told ESPNcricinfo.

After England’s 4-1 T20I series loss, they are eager to bounce back in ODIs under head coach Brendon McCullum. For the first time, England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach will be tested in the 50-over format, starting with the opening match in Nagpur.

“And leading into the Champions Trophy, three ODIs will be really useful for us to be together as a group and try and get us in a really good place before we head into that tournament,” Root added.

Root’s last ODI for England came in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. In 171 ODIs, he has amassed 6,522 runs at an average of 47.60, with 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His occasional off-spin adds another dimension to his already formidable presence.

For Kohli and Root, this series is more than just another bilateral contest — it’s about proving they still belong among the best. While the next generation eyes their spots, these two greats are far from done. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that champions always find a way to rise again.