India’s ex-skippers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma received support from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting following their team’s recent loss to Australia by seven wickets in the initial of three one-day internationals. The series will progress to Adelaide after the Perth defeat, with the final match set to take place in Sydney.
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from other cricket formats, are now solely focused on 50-over cricket. Keeping an eye on the 2027 World Cup, the duo returned to action on Sunday after their last appearance during the Champions Trophy win in March.
Their performance against Australia’s fast bowlers was not at its best, as Rohit was caught out by Josh Hazlewood for eight runs, and Kohli was dismissed for a duck after cutting a delivery from Mitchell Starc to Cooper Connolly at backward point.
Ponting expressed confidence in the abilities of the two players, emphasizing that champion players should never be underestimated. Acknowledging Kohli as the best 50-over player he has witnessed, Ponting believes that both players will soon find their form and contribute significantly to their team’s victories, potentially securing spots in the 2027 World Cup squad.
Adelaide, known for its favorable batting conditions, will pose a challenge for Kohli and Rohit as they face some of the finest white-ball bowlers in cricket history.
Former coach Ravi Shastri, who guided Rohit and Kohli during their peak years, highlighted the immense respect and admiration both players command in India and beyond. He emphasized that their legacy, built over a decade or more, will endure regardless of when they decide to retire.