India looking for Kohli, Rohit boost ahead of ODI series against South Africa

India suffered a 2-0 clean sweep in the recently concluded Test series and will want to bounce back strongly in the 50-over format.

Kohli and Rohit have both retired from the T20I and Test cricket but will make a welcome return to the India line-up for the clash on Sunday.

Both players will want to make an impact as they eye an appearance at the 2027 World Cup.

“We have got some good experience ahead now in the team," India bowling coach Mornel Morkel said. "For us, it is now focus for the next two days. 

"Give ourselves the best opportunity to prepare well and go out there and put the last couple of weeks behind us and really focus on playing solid cricket."

"I feel that their bodies can do that. It is still a long way away. The World Cup, by all means.

"I have played many games against them. I have had sleepless nights bowling to them. So, I know as a bowler what goes through your preparation playing against them. So, for me, definitely on board with that."

Morkel added that the India has had time to reflect on what went wrong in the Test matches and insisted that a switch to the white-ball format will help the team refocus.

"Look, it's a change of colour by clothing and it's a change of ball which always brings a different energy," the former South Africa paceman said.

"But I feel you know the South African team, they have that momentum with them and a confident Protea team is a dangerous team. It will be important to start well, for us to play good cricket over the next week or two, because they're here to win.