New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin emphasised the need for support, space, and open communication for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying that the duo, being champions in white-ball cricket, deserve the right environment to showcase their best performances.

The series opener marked the much-awaited return of Kohli and Sharma to competitive cricket since they retired from Tests earlier this year.

The pair made a much-anticipated return to an international fixture since the ICC Champions Trophy Final at the start of March, when they contributed modest returns with the bat against Australia in Perth on Sunday.

On their return, the duo flopped with Rohit posting 8(14), while Virat returned with an eight-bal...