PERTH, AUSTRALIA — Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, insisting the pair will bounce back strongly after India’s disappointing seven-wicket loss to Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) at Perth on Sunday.
Both Kohli and Rohit struggled with the bat in their first ODI appearance in eight months, prompting discussion about whether India’s veteran duo still have the consistency needed to anchor the team’s top order. But Ponting, one of cricket’s most respected voices, said the two “champion players” should never be underestimated.
“You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best,” Ponting told the ICC Review podcast. “While I’ve said before that Virat’s the best 50-over player I’ve ever seen, you don’t write them off. They’ll find a way to contribute and win games for their team.”
India’s Struggles in Perth: Kohli and Rohit Fall Early
In their much-anticipated return to ODI cricket, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fell cheaply to Australia’s pace attack.
- Rohit managed just 8 runs, edging a delivery from Josh Hazlewood to second slip.
- Kohli was dismissed for a duck, cutting Mitchell Starc to a brilliant diving catch by Cooper Connolly at backward point.
India, chasing Australia’s total, never looked comfortable against the relentless pace and bounce of the Perth surface. The defeat leaves them trailing 0–1 in the three-match ODI series, which now moves to Adelaide on Thursday and Sydney on Saturday.
Ponting Confident in India’s Veteran Duo
Ponting, who captained Australia to two World Cup titles, said that both players possess the experience and mental toughness to recover quickly.
“Adelaide is a great place to bat and a great place to play cricket,” Ponting said. “But it won’t be easy — they’re facing some of the best white-ball bowlers that have ever played the game. Still, I’d expect both Virat and Rohit to bounce back into it pretty quickly.”
The Australian legend emphasized that form slumps are natural for even the greatest players, especially after long breaks from international cricket. “These guys have carried the expectations of over a billion people for more than a decade. That pressure alone would break most players, but they thrive on it,” Ponting added.
Ravi Shastri: ‘Their Legacy Is Secure’
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who oversaw Kohli and Rohit during India’s most successful years across formats, also defended the duo’s continued presence in the ODI squad.
“The contribution is over a decade, decade and a half in the case of Virat,” Shastri said. “It’s special. Whether they finish tomorrow or the day after, that legacy will remain.”
Shastri reminded critics that both players have already secured their places among India’s all-time greats, citing Kohli’s unmatched ODI record and Rohit’s consistent run-scoring at major ICC tournaments.
“Few understand how revered they are in India and abroad,” Shastri noted. “They wouldn’t risk their legacy by playing on too long. They’ll know when the time is right.”
Kohli and Rohit Focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup
Both players, now retired from Test and T20 international formats, have set their sights firmly on the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa.
Their comeback to the 50-over format marks the beginning of a transition phase for Indian cricket, where experience and youth must blend seamlessly to rebuild momentum.
Ponting believes Kohli and Rohit’s leadership and batting skills will be crucial in shaping India’s younger players, such as Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“When you’ve got guys like Kohli and Rohit in your dressing room, you’re in good hands. They set the tone for professionalism and resilience,” Ponting said.
Australia’s Dominant Bowling Display
Australia’s pace trio — Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins — once again proved why they are among the world’s best in white-ball cricket. Starc’s early strikes, combined with disciplined spells from Hazlewood and Cummins, restricted India’s scoring opportunities and dismantled the top order.
Despite the defeat, Indian captain KL Rahul expressed optimism that his team would learn quickly and adapt to Australian conditions. “We’ve been here before and bounced back. This team has resilience — we’ll look to even the series in Adelaide,” Rahul said after the match.
Adelaide Awaits: India Look to Level Series
As the ODI series shifts to Adelaide, conditions are expected to be more batting-friendly, giving Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli the perfect opportunity to rediscover their rhythm. The pair have historically enjoyed success at the Adelaide Oval — a ground known for its consistent bounce and fast outfield.
Indian fans will hope for a strong response from their stalwarts as the team aims to regain momentum ahead of the Sydney finale. A loss in Adelaide would hand Australia the series, but a win could set up a thrilling decider.
Kohli and Rohit: A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Between them, Kohli and Rohit have scored over 25,000 ODI runs, redefined modern batting standards, and led India through some of its most glorious cricketing eras.
Even in the twilight of their careers, both continue to command immense respect and attention — from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
As Ponting aptly summarized:
“Champions like Virat and Rohit don’t fade easily. They’ve been too good for too long. One bad game won’t change that.”
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