Exclusive! IND vs AUS: Anjum Chopra explains exact reason why Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were rested

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Former India captain Anjum Chopra has backed the management's decision to rest Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya for the first two matches of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia.

The decision came under a lot of scrutiny, especially from the fans, after the two batting stalwarts were given a break to refresh themselves before the World Cup 2023 which starts from October 5.

Notably, Kohli and Rohit played just a single ODI on the West Indies tour and spent almost one month away from cricket before playing six matches in the Asia Cup 2023. India defeated Nepal and Sri Lanka by 10 wickets and therefore Virat Kohli did not get an opportunity to bat in both the games. Rohit also demoted himself in the one-sided final against India and as the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan chased down the 51-run target in just 37 balls.

Many opined that giving breaks to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and breaking their momentum could be a bad idea. However, Anjum Chopra has cleared the doubts and stated that players do not get tired from playing cricket but due to the rigorous routine they follow in a team atmosphere.

"It's not that they will go home and sleep. The fact is that they will not be travelling from one city to another and they will not be training under the atmosphere of a cricket team. They will be back at their home and they will train and do other things as per their own convenience. The players need a break from that drill of waking up early in the morning, catching a flight, practicing and then again playing a match at a venue, and then repeating it again. You don't get tired while playing a match. You need a break from the routine," Chopra, who played 127 ODI matches for India, told MyKhel.com in an exclusive interview.

'Kohli and Rohit seasoned players, you can rest them'

Further, the 46-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator asserted that Kohli and Rohit are seasoned players who have scored 10,000 runs in ODI cricket and giving them a break from two matches will not impact their performance but instead make them more hungry to come out all guns blazing.

Anjum Chopra also justified the break given to Hardik Pandya who bowled and batted to his fullest capacity in the Sri Lankan heat and humidity. She added that the absence of these regulars was also a blessing in disguise for players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer who can spend some more time in the middle against a quality opposition ahead of the all-important World Cup 2023.

"Hardik can be rested as a preventive manner. You want him fit for the World Cup. He bowled and batted in the Asia Cup. Virat Kohli has done well and you know when a player gets into the 50-over zone. Jasprit Bumrah needs to play for now as he is just coming from a long injury layoff. As far as the batters are concerned, they will not forget batting if they don't play a couple of matches. Getting refreshed is very important. Everyone needs that refreshment but there has to be a surety. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are seasoned players. You can rest them and give them a break," she said.

"The other benefit is that KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and others will also get the chance to play in their absence. They have been rested for just two matches. New Zealand and Bangladesh have also rested their players in the ongoing ODI series. Shakib Al Hasan is also not playing and it is fine. Taking a break is important. The hunger to perform also increases in the process," Anjum Chopra concluded.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav will join the Indian squad ahead of the third and final ODI against Australia on Wednesday, September 27. India are also scheduled to play two World Cup warm-up matches ahead of the mega event. The hosts face England on September 30 and Netherlands on October 3.