India, Oct. 18 -- Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has come out in strong support of the seasoned Indian duo, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, ahead of their much-anticipated return to international cricket during India's ODI tour of Australia. In a pointed message to critics, Sharma said it would be "funny" if players like Kohli and Rohit are still being judged or expected to prove themselves at this stage of their careers.

"Both of them are great players, and they have nothing left to prove," Rajkumar Sharma told ANI. "The whole of India knows their contribution to Indian cricket, so if they have to prove themselves at this stage, then it will be a very funny thing."

Kohli, who hasn't featured in India colours since lifting the ...