Rohit and Kohli’s Return Ends in Disappointment
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made their much-anticipated return to international cricket in the first ODI against Australia in Perth. However, their comeback did not go as planned.
Rohit managed only 8 runs off 14 balls, while Kohli was dismissed for a duck, falling victim to the fiery pace of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
The two senior pros had put in significant effort leading up to the series — Rohit reportedly lost 10 kilograms to regain peak fitness, while Kohli worked tirelessly in the nets to sharpen his skills. Despite that, the rust was evident against Australia’s world-class fast bowlers on a bouncy Perth track.
“You’re Bound to Be Rusty After a Long Layoff” – Ravi Shastri
Speaking on The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri backed the veteran batters, explaining that such rustiness is natural after a break.
“When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty. It’s not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia just two days before a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away,” Shastri said.
He emphasized that it would be unfair to judge the duo based on one poor outing.
“I’m in no hurry to judge. When you come back at that age, it’s about how much you’re enjoying the game and how much hunger you have left. If they still have the passion and enjoyment, time will sort things out,” he added.
“Their Legacy Is Secure” – Shastri on Kohli and Rohit
Shastri further highlighted that Rohit and Kohli’s careers are defined by longevity and impact, not just short-term form.
“Their contribution isn’t over two or three years — it’s over a decade and a half. They’ve faced the best bowlers in the world and delivered time and again. Their legacy will remain, no matter when they choose to finish,” he said.
Fitness, Form, and Hunger Will Decide 2027 Fate
With the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away, Shastri believes the upcoming matches against Australia will be crucial indicators of their future. Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is, making ODIs their only remaining international format.
“It depends on their fitness, hunger, and form. They’ll know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it’s their call,” Shastri stated.
As India transitions into a new era with young talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma, Shastri insists experience still matters — especially in big tournaments where “the big boys step up.”
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