Brad Haddin Urges Fans to See Rohit and Kohli’s Final Tour

Former Australian cricket captain Brad Haddin has called on fans to seize the opportunity to witness Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during their upcoming tour of Australia, which could potentially be their last visit. Haddin’s remarks come ahead of India’s white-ball series, which begins on October 19, 2023, and includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five T20 Internationals (T20Is).

Speaking on the ‘Willow Talk Podcast,’ Haddin emphasized the significance of this tour for the two icons. He stated, “Get out and watch them. They are greats of the game, and I think this will be the last time they are on our shores. So, do not miss the opportunity.”

The series marks a return for both Rohit and Kohli after India’s successful campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket prior to India’s series against England in the ICC World Test Championship, which will take place from 2025 to 2027. Their decision followed a disappointing run of form and an inability to lead their team to the finals earlier this year.

Haddin also highlighted the appointment of Shubman Gill as the ODI captain, which he suggests may allow Rohit to play more freely. Gill’s leadership signals a new era for Indian cricket, especially considering Rohit’s impressive record of 42 wins in 56 ODIs since he took on the captaincy in 2017. With a win percentage of 75%, Rohit is ranked among the best white-ball leaders in the world.

Focus on Abhishek Sharma

In addition to praising the seasoned players, Haddin also lauded the rising star of Indian cricket, Abhishek Sharma. The young batter recently showcased his talent during the Asia Cup, where he scored 314 runs in six innings, averaging 44.00 with an impressive strike rate of 200.00. Haddin referred to Sharma as “worth the money” and encouraged fans to watch him during the T20I matches in Australia, beginning on October 29, 2023.

“Abhishek Sharma, pay your money to go watch him. He is explosive, and get ready for a catch,” Haddin said. As the top-ranked T20I batter in the world, Sharma has made an impact in his short career, accumulating 593 runs in 12 T20Is this year, with a remarkable strike rate exceeding 208.80.

Sharma’s performance has been bolstered by his two recent seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he recorded 932 runs at an average of 32.96. His breakout season in 2024 included 484 runs in 16 matches, featuring three fifties and 42 sixes.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming matches, both seasoned veterans and emerging talents will take center stage, making this series a must-watch for cricket fans across Australia and beyond.