Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to score runs in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand despite coming after a break as well. They last played for India during the three-match home ODI series against South Africa, which concluded on November 6 as well.

“Now there are absolutely no questions regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. I think they will score runs in Baroda. It is not easy to return after a break, but these two are so experienced. After this series, the next ODI will take place after 6 months,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

“Shubman Gill is not only coming after an injury, but also coming after losing his place in the T20I side. He is more comfortable in the ODI format. Sure, his average has dropped down there as well over the last few matches, but he is a solid player. Now that Gill has come in, Jasiwal has to sit out, right? Unfortunately for him, he has to miss out, but it is the captain who is returning. Gill’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup begins right now,” Irfan Pathan again shared.

READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is making a comeback from injury. He had suffered a serious rib injury during the Australia tour as well. Featuring in two matches against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, he smashed 82 and 45, respectively, to be declared match fit for the ODIs against New Zealand as well.

“Shreyas Iyer is a player that has been in a tough spot in recent times. From 2021, he has been constantly injured. It has been a stop-and-start career. He has even taken a break from red-ball cricket, when I actually think there is a place for him in the red-ball team. He plays spin so well, we could have had such a good player for the middle order,” Irfan Pathan opined.

“The way he has performed at No.4, if you are scoring 3000 runs at an average of 50, it means that you are a special player. In fact, I think there is room for him in the T20I team as well. He scored runs in those Vijay Hazare Trophy matches as well, so the expectation will be that he will be among the runs straightaway,” Irfan Pathan concluded.