Former Indian captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should not be underestimated after their team’s seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the opening match of the one-day international series, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting commented on Tuesday.
Following Sunday’s loss in Perth, the series will continue in Adelaide on Thursday and conclude in Sydney on Saturday.
Kohli and Rohit, having retired from other formats, are now focusing solely on 50-over cricket. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, they made their return on Sunday, marking their first appearance since winning the Champions Trophy in March.
Both players struggled against Australia’s fast bowlers; Rohit was caught by Josh Hazlewood at second slip with just eight runs, and Kohli was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc, caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point.
Nevertheless, Ponting remains optimistic about their comeback.
“You should never count out champion players. These two have been outstanding, and I’ve previously stated that Virat is the best 50-over player I’ve ever seen. They will surely find ways to contribute and secure victories for their team, potentially making it to the 2027 World Cup squad. I expect them to regain form soon,” Ponting expressed on the ICC Review podcast.
“Adelaide is an excellent venue for batting and playing cricket. However, facing some of the finest white-ball bowlers won’t be an easy task.”
Ravi Shastri, who coached Rohit and Kohli during their prime, acknowledged their esteemed status in India and globally, emphasizing they wouldn’t jeopardize their legacy by overstaying their careers.
“Their contribution spans over a decade, especially for Virat,” Shastri noted. “It’s remarkable. Whether they retire tomorrow or later, their legacy will endure.”
