Former South African batter Jonty Rhodes has put his weight behind under-fire Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after India’s Border-Gavaskar series loss against Australia. While Kohli scored 190 runs in five Test matches at an average of 23.75, Rohit managed only 31 runs in five innings at 6.20. 

Kohli was dismissed caught behind on eight occasions in nine innings whereas Rohit looked short of confidence with the bat. 

Rhodes reckons it is unfair to put the blame of 1-3 series loss on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s shoulders. 

Jonty Rhodes said in an interview with IANS, “Touring Australia is really tough. And I think maybe the Indian fans have forgotten that because India have been so successful in the past in their last two tours to Australia. But it wasn’t easy. You know, some great performances by the team almost resurrected the previous tours. And it didn’t quite happen this time around so to lay the blame at the feet of two people is harsh.”

“Everybody’s entitled to their opinion. Cricket is that kind of game and I think the cricket players themselves in this day and age, there is no escape from the public, whether it’s fans who love them or fans who are criticizing them with social media, journalism these days. Everybody seems to be a cricketing expert and players learn to live with that.”

Meanwhile, India will play all of their Champions Trophy matches in the UAE as they won’t be traveling to Pakistan due to political reasons. Rhodes said he is happy India is playing Pakistan in the marquee tournament.

“Fortunately I’m not really involved in the politics of cricket. I’m a big fan of the game and I’m just happy that India are going to be playing Pakistan in this Champions Trophy. Because that sort of game, if it’s not taking place, we all as fans lose out a great deal,” said Rhodes.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.