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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma discusses plans for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Ranchi prepares for a high-stakes ODI series.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are looking for form (Picture Credit: AFP)
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has said that it is exciting for the locals to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action, but like with any other cricketers, South Africa will plan around them and make necessary tactics, even as Ranchi gears up to welcome the Indian legends.
Rohit and Kohli now play only in ODIs, and with India set to play just six games over the next two months, three against South Africa and three versus New Zealand in January, the stakes are higher than ever for the two modern Indian greats.
Ahead of the series, Bavuma told Star Sports that South Africa is well aware of the influence Rohit and Kohli wield in India, where both remain popular and impactful.
“I think it is exciting for the locals, having the two living legends come back and play on Indian soil for a while. There is a different type of energy when those two big guys are around, so it is something that we will really be looking forward to,” Bavuma said.
Rohit and Kohli are all set to rejoin India’s ODI team after a short break, raising the stakes for a high-intensity series as India aim to rebound from consecutive losses in limited-overs and Tests.
While Rohit and Kohli draw significant attention, Bavuma emphasised that South Africa’s preparations remain unchanged. He acknowledged their experience and influence but stressed that the side will stick to its established plans and tactics.
“Like with any other players, we will do our preparation around them and come up with whatever tactics we feel are necessary. We know the energy is going to be a bit different, but it is an exciting one,” Bavuma said.
It was at the JSCA Stadium in 2013 that Rohit was first trusted as a full-time opener, a pivotal moment that reshaped his white-ball career and India’s ODI strategy for years to come.
November 29, 2025, 16:26 IST
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