Image Caption: Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 8 runs, while Virat Kohli lasted just eight balls before being sent back to the pavilion for a duck. (Image credit: Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Cricket fans are buzzing with anticipation for the second ODI between India and Australia in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23rd, hoping for a spectacular comeback from star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their much-awaited return to international play in Perth didn’t quite hit the mark, leaving many eager to see them shine.
Adelaide Oval holds a special place for Kohli, often considered his batting fortress. In One-Day Internationals at this ground, he has amassed an impressive 244 runs across just four matches, maintaining an average of 61, including two magnificent centuries. His Test performance here is equally stellar, with 537 runs from five matches at an average of 53.70, boasting three centuries.
Across all formats—ODIs, Tests, and T20Is—Kohli has played 12 matches in Adelaide, accumulating a remarkable 975 runs at an average of 65, featuring five centuries and a top score of 141, alongside 10 catches.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma’s history at Adelaide has been more subdued. In six ODIs at the venue, he has scored 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with a highest score of 43. Nevertheless, his vast experience and innate ability to turn a game around keep him as a vital component of India’s batting attack.
Both cricketing stalwarts had a challenging return to international cricket after a seven-month hiatus. In the series opener at Perth, Rohit managed just 8 runs before dismissal, while Kohli faced only eight balls before being sent back for a duck.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, however, believes that their performance in Perth should not be overly scrutinized. He pointed out, “They were playing on probably the bounciest pitch in Australia. It wasn’t going to be easy, especially for players who haven’t played international cricket for a couple of months. It was challenging for Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who usually play regularly.”
Gavaskar further expressed confidence, stating, “India are still a very, very good team. They’ve won the Champions Trophy. Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games. The more they play, the more time they spend in the nets, the more throwdowns they get — maybe even from reserve bowlers bowling from 20 yards instead of 22 — the quicker they’ll find their rhythm. Once they’re back among the runs, India’s total will be 300, 300-plus.”