Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Australia legend Ricky Ponting has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to bounce back strongly, not reading too much into their failures in the 1st ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Ponting believes both senior batters are among the best in the format and should continue playing for India till the 2027 ODI World Cup if they can perform consistently.
Kohli and Rohit made their much-awaited comeback for India after a long break of seven months in the 1st ODI against the Aussies in Perth. Having retired from Test cricket within a span of a week earlier this year, both Kohli and Rohit were away from action for the national team, as they are only active in ODIs.
The duo last featured together in the Champions Trophy 2025, where Rohit led India to a memorable triumph. The spotlight was on the duo on their comeback, however, they failed to fire. Kohli was dismissed on an 8-ball duck, while Rohit could only manage 8 runs off 14 deliveries in the rain-curtailed match, which India lost by 8 wickets.
Their cheap dismissals in the match sparked a debate among fans amid questions over their future for India in ODIs in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup. However, Ponting believes both Kohli and Rohit need time to shrug off their rustiness from not having played international cricket for a long time.
"Finding your rhythm and tempo is the biggest thing. When you've had a break, just getting back used to the rhythm and tempo of the 50-over game again takes a little time for anybody. I'd expect to see both those guys bounce back pretty quickly," Ponting told the ICC.
A lot has been said and written about Kohli and Rohit's future in ODIs as the Indian team moves into a new direction with Shubman Gill now in charge. Multiple reports have suggested that the selectors might look to move on the senior duo, who will struggle to remain match fit playing only a single format for India throughout the year.
However, Ponting has no doubts about Kohli and Rohit continuing for India as long as they keep performing. The former Australia captain warned that champion players like Kohli and Rohit should not be written off, while backing the duo to find a way to be part of India's squad for the 2027 World Cup.
"I say it all the time - you never write off champion players. These two have been among the very best, and I've said before that I consider Virat the greatest 50-over player I've ever seen. You don't write them off," said Ponting.
"They'll find ways to contribute and win matches for their team, and if they do that, they'll almost certainly be part of that 2027 World Cup squad," he added.
The spotlight will once again be on Kohli and Rohit when India take the field against Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide on Thursday. The visitors will look to return to winning ways and level the three-match series 1-1. Meanwhile, Kohli and Rohit will be hopeful of getting back among the runs to shut their critics amid questions over their future.
