Ro-Ko mania reaches Guwahati as India aim to seal ODI series against Windies

Kohli_Rohit
Kohli_Rohit (PC: ICC)

The last time the Indian senior men’s cricket team played an international match in Guwahati, the new Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport was not yet operational. The airport, which began operations on February 22, 2026, is arguably among the finest in eastern India.

The Shubman Gill-led India arrived at the new airport on Monday evening after completing a thumping eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The excitement surrounding the team’s arrival was evident, with giant LED screens at the baggage conveyor belts constantly displaying images of Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of Wednesday’s second ODI at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Understandably, the anticipation to watch two of Indian cricket’s biggest superstars is immense in this north-eastern state. The last time Kohli and Rohit played in Guwahati was the second ODI against Sri Lanka, which India won by four wickets. Rohit, who was captain at the time, opened the innings and scored 17 before being dismissed by Chamika Karunaratne, while Kohli was out for just four, falling to Lahiru Kumara.

The two stalwarts have also shared a memorable partnership in Guwahati in the first ODI against the West Indies on October 1, 2018 — Kohli smashed 140 off 107 balls while Rohit remained unbeaten on 152 off 117 as India chased down a steep target with eight wickets in hand.

For the fans here, Wednesday’s game could be a rare opportunity to see the two legends in action, possibly for the final time in international cricket at this venue. Kohli has already announced that the 2027 World Cup in South Africa will be his last, while Rohit is also nearing the end of his international career.

Kohli was in sensational form in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram, smashing an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls to guide India to an eight-wicket victory with 50 balls to spare. Captain Gill also struck a brilliant 110, while Rohit looked set for a substantial contribution before being dismissed for 32, caught by Jewel Andrew at deep mid-wicket off Alzarri Joseph.

Kohli has been in stunning form as he has scored four hundreds in his last 11 ODI innings. The chase master also reached the milestone of 15,000 runs in ODIs. On being asked about milestones after the match, Virat to the host broadcaster: “Well, my focus has never really been on these milestones. I just want to keep working hard, stay humble, and move forward with a smile.”

He added: “I have got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and play a gear or two higher, that was exciting for me to work on. My only focus is how I can help India win the ODI World Cup. I want to play my innings in whatever way is required for the team whenever the team needs me.”

Can Ro-Ko recreate their heroics against the same opponents at the same venue as they did in October 2018? Fans will eagerly wait.

The post Ro-Ko mania reaches Guwahati as India aim to seal ODI series against Windies appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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