Because the countdown to the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup gathers momentum, the main target has as soon as once more shifted to 2 of the nation’s greatest cricketing icons — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Following their underwhelming returns within the first ODI in opposition to Australia in Perth, the place each struggled to make an affect, questions have been raised about their long-term roles in India’s white-ball plans.
Nevertheless, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged followers and critics to not soar to conclusions. In an interview with the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC), Ponting expressed full religion in Kohli and Rohit, stating that the duo nonetheless have what it takes to function prominently in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.
Ricky Ponting urges followers to remain affected person
Ponting, who captained Australia to back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007, confused that kind slumps are pure, particularly after an prolonged break from the sport. He believes that each Indian veterans merely want time to rediscover their rhythm within the 50-over format.
“Discovering your rhythm and tempo is the most important factor. While you’ve had a break, simply getting again used to the rhythm and tempo of the 50-over recreation once more takes slightly time for anyone. I’d anticipate to see each these guys bounce again fairly shortly,” stated Ponting.
Ponting added that gamers like Kohli and Rohit, who’ve persistently delivered on the most important levels, ought to by no means be written off after a couple of low scores.
“They’re confirmed champions. They know methods to adapt and methods to win video games. You may by no means depend out gamers with that stage of expertise and starvation,” he added.
AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli reveals how his childhood heroes impressed him to beat Australian circumstances
Perth struggles no trigger for concern
Within the collection opener on the Optus Stadium, each batters discovered themselves undone by the tempo and bounce of Australian circumstances. Rohit managed simply eight runs earlier than edging behind, whereas Kohli was dismissed for a duck — a uncommon sight in ODI cricket. Regardless of the powerful outing, Ponting insisted that these early stumbles have been nothing to be alarmed about.
“Perth is likely one of the hardest locations to bat, even for the most effective gamers. Each of them have been up in opposition to world-class bowlers on a floor that provided bounce and motion. As soon as they get extra time within the center, they’ll be nice,” defined Ponting.
Ponting on how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can earn spots in ODI World Cup 2025
India and Australia will now head to the Adelaide Oval for the second ODI — a venue the place Kohli, particularly, has loved super success. Ponting believes that matches like these are ultimate platforms for the senior duo to regain kind and silence any doubts about their future.
“They’ll discover methods to contribute and win matches for his or her workforce. In the event that they proceed doing that over the following few years, there’s completely little question they’ll be a part of that 2027 World Cup squad,” Ponting added additional.
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli’s ODI report in Adelaide Oval
