"Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma have been around for a long time"- Michael Hussey does not mince his words

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey backed the out-of-form duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Michael Hussey said that champions like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should never be written off despite disappointing batting form.

Virat and Rohit's poor recent form has been a key topic leading up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Both players struggled during India's disappointing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand. They managed to score just two half-centuries between them in 12 innings with averages under 16.

Michael Hussey Opens Up on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's Poor Form

In an interview with Sportstar, Michael Hussey opened up about the criticism surrounding Virat and Rohit's recent poor form. Hussey pointed out that both players will bounce back with their years of experience. He stated that doubting them would be a mistake for Australia.

"One thing that I have learnt over many years of watching cricket is that you should never, ever write off a champion, and India has some genuine champion players there. Virat and Rohit are champion players, and they have been around for a long period of time," Michael Hussey said.

"They are proud players. I’m sure there will be critics out there and doubters, but I’m certainly not one of them. They are wonderful players and will perform well again, as they have done for so many years. Every player can miss out now and then, but write them off at your peril," he added.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test Match Stats in Australia

Virat Kohli has scored 1,352 runs in Australia at an average of 54.08 with the help of six centuries and four half-centuries. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has struggled to score runs in Tests in Australia. Rohit has scored 408 runs in seven Test matches at an average of 31.38, including three half-centuries.

Rohit is likely to miss the first Test of the highly anticipated series due to personal reasons. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are considered backup options for Rohit, as per head coach Gautam Gambhir. The team management will make a decision on the opener close to the opening Test match.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to Commence on November 22 in Perth

The upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia will be played in Perth, starting on Friday, November 22. India has not lost a Test series in Australia in the last 10 years. The Men in Blue won the Test series in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21 by a margin of 2-1.

Virat Kohli was the first Indian captain to lead India to a Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. Ajinkya Rahane led the team in the subsequent Australia tour. Rishabh Pant played a key role in India's 2020/21 victory. He scored 274 runs in three Tests with two fifties, including an unbeaten 89 at Gabba.

Also read: Not Virat Kohli! Michael Vaughan picks 2 Indian players to watch out for in Border-Gavaskar Trophy