Bengaluru: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believes that Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will receive a grand and emotional reception from Australian fans during the upcoming ODI series, which could mark their final tour Down Under. Speaking on JioHotstar, Watson lauded the duo for their impact on world cricket and the respect they command in Australia, both as fierce competitors and outstanding ambassadors of the game.
‘Fans will show their love and respect’
Watson said the Australian crowd is likely to celebrate the two legends for their contributions to the sport. “This indeed could be Rohit and Virat’s last trip Down Under, and I really believe the Australian cricket-loving public are going to show how much they absolutely adore them. There’s no doubt Virat’s been one of Australia’s biggest foes over the years. He’s always performed against the Aussies and knows how to give it back as well,” Watson said.
He added that both players have earned the admiration of the Australian public not only for their cricketing skills but also for their professionalism. “Rohit is a leader and a performer. The Australian public has always respected the very best, and these two certainly are that,” Watson said.
The challenge of being one-format players
The ODI series, beginning Sunday in Perth, will see Rohit and Kohli return to international cricket for the first time since leading India to victory in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Both players retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup win and from Tests earlier in 2025, leaving ODIs as their only remaining format.
Watson, however, believes that being one-format players will pose new challenges for the veteran batters. “Now that they’re only playing one format, it’ll be challenging for them to hit the ground running. It might take a little time to find the right preparation rhythm to face the best bowlers in the world. But these two are as good as one-day batters get,” he explained.
According to Watson, their experience and class will help them adjust quickly. “It won’t take them long to find the right formula and get back to their best; their class and consistency are second to none,” he said.
Kohli and Rohit: redefining ODI cricket
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on the ODI format. While Rohit holds the record for the most double centuries in ODIs, Kohli remains the all-time leader in centuries. Their dominance and consistency have set new benchmarks for batting excellence.
Watson acknowledged their influence on the game: “You can never rule out champions, and Virat and Rohit are exactly that. It may take a bit of time for them to find the right preparation, but once they do, they’ll be ready to go when they take on Australia.”
India’s unbeaten ODI streak under Gambhir
Under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, India has maintained an unbeaten run in ODIs this year, winning eight matches in a row. Watson attributed the success to Gambhir’s management style and India’s deep talent pool.
“The Indian ODI team in 2025 has been unbeaten, and that comes down to two things: the incredible talent that keeps emerging from Indian cricket, and Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. GG has allowed those players to be free, without worrying about making mistakes,” Watson noted.
He praised India’s fearless approach: “You can see the brand of cricket they’re playing now; it’s fearless and expressive, unlocking their full potential. There’s no surprise they’ve been so dominant this year.”
‘Australia must be at their best’
Despite India’s form, Watson backed Australia to challenge the visitors strongly. “Do I think Australia can break that unbeaten record? Yes, but they’ll have to be at their very best because India is playing incredibly well. It’s going to be a great series to watch,” he concluded.
As two of India’s greatest batters gear up for possibly their final appearance in Australia, anticipation among fans is sky-high. Whether it’s for nostalgia or the prospect of witnessing another classic, this ODI series promises to be an emotional and thrilling chapter in the India-Australia rivalry.