The much-anticipated return of Indian cricket maestros Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international play was met with disappointment. Both batsmen struggled to make a mark in India’s opening One-Day International against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Having been out of international action since IPL 2025, these veteran players found themselves challenged by the fast, bouncy pitch, despite undergoing three preparatory practice sessions.
Rohit Sharma’s innings was brief, yielding only 8 runs before a spectacular delivery from Josh Hazlewood sent him back to the pavilion. Virat Kohli’s stay at the crease was even shorter, facing just eight balls before Mitchell Starc secured his dismissal.
Their performances quickly became a talking point, with former Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath offering his insights.
McGrath remarked, “There was considerable discussion leading up to the match concerning the two cricket legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They hadn’t played much cricket recently, and I believe they were somewhat exposed on a pitch that offered more pace and bounce than they typically encounter in India.”
The Indian squad has since relocated to Adelaide, conducting their initial training session at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday afternoon. Both Kohli and Sharma engaged in extensive batting practice.
With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, scheduled across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, their upcoming performances are now under intense scrutiny, with ongoing discussions regarding their long-term presence in the national squad.
While their return generated immense excitement among fans, it appears their prolonged break from international cricket impacted their ability to adapt to Perth’s demanding conditions.