The 2023 ODI World Cup finalists will take on each other in the three-match ODI series starting in Perth on Sunday. For the all-important Australia tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) elevated Shubman Gill as ODI captain and relieved Rohit from the leadership duty. However, the move has been widely viewed as a symbolic farewell tour for Rohit and Kohli on Australian soil, amid speculation that the duo may not continue until the next 50-over World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey have been awesome for India, I guess Axar can speak more highly about them than myself. But two quality players, two of the best white-ball players. Virat is probably the greatest white-ball player. Rohit is not that far behind,\u201d Head told reporters in Perth on Friday, with Axar Patel standing next to him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSomeone who opens the batting. I have huge regard for what Rohit has been able to do. I am sure they will be missed at some stage, but I think they both are going until 2027 (looks at Axar Patel and the all-rounder smiles). They both are trying to get to the World Cup. It is great for the game that they are still playing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Axar Patel, set to fill the all-rounder\u2019s role in Ravindra Jadeja\u2019s absence, said Rohit and Virat are complete professionals and eager to hit the ground running in the series opener.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSomeone who opens the batting. I have huge regard for what Rohit has been able to do. I am sure they will be missed at some stage, but I think they both are going until 2027 (looks at Axar Patel and the all-rounder smiles). They both are trying to get to the World Cup. It is great for the game that they are still playing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you speak about their form, they have been preparing well, hence I think they are ready. Everyone has given their fitness Test, they are raring to go now,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n