Pressure Will Be On Virat Kohli In Rohit Sharma's Absence- Omar Henry

Former South African spinner Omar Henry believes Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be under the pump as there will be huge expectations from him in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Rohit was India’s top-scorer in Tests in 2021 and transformed himself into a reliable batsman at the top of the order in the longest format of the game.

However, the hamstring injury that he sustained while practice in Mumbai has ruled him out of the Test series and it is a body blow for Team India. With Virat Kohli being the most experienced batsman in the line-up, the pressure will be on him to step up and lead from the front.

Speaking to Mid-Day, here is what Omar Henry had to say:

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“Rohit not being there is a big factor. He’s been their most prolific of run-getters for a while, so make no mistake, there will be pressure on Kohli. He will be tested as a batsman and captain,”

However, Omar Henry also believes that India have quite a potent pace attack and can cause severe damage to South Africa. If they use their resources properly, Henry feels India have a great chance to win that elusive Test series in South Africa for the first time ever.

“I believe India have a window to break that losing sequence if they utilise their pace department well,” Henry added.

Omar Henry shows faith in Rahul Dravid – Virat Kohli combination

Indian cricket has been rocked with the Virat Kohli saga where the 33-year-old was asked to step down from the ODI captaincy without prior intimation. Virat Kohli’s revelations in the presser stirred a huge controversy, but Henry feels that when it comes to the on-field stuff, both Kohli and coach Dravid will be focused on the job at hand.

“Dravid the coach and the leader in Kohli should able to able to put all of that behind and concentrate on this important assignment. You are playing for your country. Nothing is bigger and personal issues have to come second,” Henry concluded.

The Indian Cricket Team will be taking on South Africa in a three-match Test and a three-,match ODI series which is all set to commence from December 26 at the Supersport Park in Centurion.