Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged not to discount India’s star players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, following their team’s seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs). This match took place in Perth and was their first outing since lifting the Champions Trophy in March. The ongoing series will continue in Adelaide on Thursday, before concluding in Sydney on Saturday.
Kohli and Rohit, both of whom have stepped back from other formats of the game, participated primarily in the 50-over format. In their initial return, neither player managed to put up a strong performance against Australia’s pace attack—Rohit fell to Josh Hazlewood for just eight runs and Kohli went out for a duck, caught off Mitchell Starc.
Despite their lack of runs in the opening match, Ponting remains optimistic. “You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and while I’ve said before that Virat’s the best 50-over player I’ve ever seen, you don’t write them off,” he stated on the ICC Review podcast. He believes they will bounce back quickly and continue to contribute significantly to their team’s success, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
Kohli and Rohit’s legacy is further emphasized by Ravi Shastri, their former coach, who highlighted how respected the duo is, not only in India but across the globe. Shastri remarked on the lasting impact of their contributions, stating, “It’s special. Whether they finish tomorrow or they finish the day after or whenever. That legacy will remain.”
As the series progresses, both players will have the opportunity to redevelop their form, particularly in the batting-friendly conditions of Adelaide. Despite facing formidable opposition in Australia’s elite white-ball bowlers, the spirit of resilience exhibited by Kohli and Rohit offers hope for their return to form. The cricketing community eagerly awaits their comeback, affirming that while they may face challenges, true champions often rise to the occasion.