Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Are Incredible, Says Will Young Ahead of India vs New Zealand ODIs

New Zealand batter Will Young has lavished praise on Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling the duo “incredible” and acknowledging their lasting influence within the Blackcaps camp. Young’s comments come ahead of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand, set to begin on January 11 in Vadodara.

Speaking after an extended training session at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Young said it was no surprise to see Kohli and Rohit return to top form. He noted that both players have been among the world’s best for a long time and continue to set benchmarks for consistency, preparation, and performance.

Kohli and Rohit enter the ODI series after strong outings in recent contests against Australia and South Africa. Kohli finished as the leading run-scorer in the home series against South Africa, amassing 302 runs that included two centuries and an unbeaten half-century in the final match. Rohit, meanwhile, played a pivotal role during the tour of Australia, where his commanding performances earned him the Player of the Series award.

Their dominance is also reflected in the latest ICC ODI batting rankings, with Rohit occupying the top position and Kohli close behind in second place. Young said such sustained excellence naturally commands respect across opposition camps and serves as motivation for younger players worldwide.

The New Zealand batter admitted that players like Kohli and Rohit are role models not just for him but for many within the Blackcaps setup. He stressed that their longevity at the highest level of international cricket is a testament to their skill, work ethic, and mental strength.

Young also addressed the broader context of the upcoming ODI series, acknowledging that with the T20 World Cup approaching, bilateral ODIs can sometimes be overshadowed. However, he underlined that representing one’s country always demands full commitment and focus, regardless of format.

He added that while ODIs are played less frequently compared to T20s in the modern calendar, the format still holds immense significance due to major ICC events like the Champions Trophy and the ODI World Cup. According to Young, these tournaments carry a rich legacy that continues to drive players’ ambition.

With a relatively young New Zealand squad touring the subcontinent, Young highlighted the importance of adaptability and collective responsibility. He said the Blackcaps have grown accustomed to changes in personnel due to franchise commitments and personal circumstances, and the team culture encourages youngsters to step up and perform from the outset.

Using a metaphor, Young explained that players are encouraged to “put into the bucket more than they take out,” emphasising selflessness and contribution to the group. He added that senior players aim to support less experienced teammates, especially those unfamiliar with Indian conditions, and give them the confidence to express themselves freely.

As India and New Zealand prepare for the ODI series, Young’s remarks underline the respect Kohli and Rohit command globally, even as the Blackcaps look to challenge the hosts with a fresh and motivated squad.