3 Reasons why Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma should've played South Africa A one-day series

All eyes are now on the upcoming three-match home ODI series between India and South Africa, starting November 30. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be back in action.

In the recent ODI series in Australia, Rohit was in fine touch. He scored 202 runs in three innings, the highest in the series, averaging 101 with one fifty and one century. Kohli, however, had a mixed outing. After two back-to-back ducks, he bounced back with an unbeaten 74 in the final match.

Before that series, India A are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series in Rajkot from November 13 to 19. Many expected the two senior stars to feature in those games to get some match time before the South Africa series. But their names were missing from the squad.

Here are three reasons why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should have played the South Africa A one-day series

To adjust to home conditions

Both Rohit and Virat recently played in Australia, where the wickets are fast and bouncy. The pitches in India are very different, generally flat but slower as the match progresses, with spinners coming into play.

Rather than relying only on net sessions, a few competitive matches in Rajkot would have helped them adapt better to these conditions. Rohit has already spent some time in the middle, but Kohli had limited time at the crease after his two early dismissals in Australia. 

Playing the South Africa A series could have given both players valuable time to adjust before the main assignment.

To regain rhythm early

In a short three-match series, there’s no time to warm up. Players need to be in rhythm from the very first ball. That rhythm only comes through match practice, not training sessions.

If both Rohit and Kohli had played against South Africa A, it could have helped them find that flow before facing the main side. Kohli needed two games in Australia before getting back his timing and focus in the third. Rohit, too, looked at his best only in the final match. Playing the A series could have allowed them to hit full stride from game one against South Africa.

To test themselves under match pressure

The South Africa A side includes some quality bowlers like Kwena Maphaka and Codi Yusuf. Facing them in a competitive setting would have given Rohit and Kohli valuable time in the middle under pressure.

Situations like building a partnership, chasing a target, or recovering from early wickets are ideal to test form and mindset before an international series. Getting through such moments would have boosted their confidence heading into the big games later this month.

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