Why Did Kohli and Rohit Struggle in Their Comeback?
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Synopsis
In a highly anticipated return, Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced struggles in the opening ODI against Australia. Their performance raises concerns about their readiness for the World Cup. What does this mean for India's chances? Dive into the details of their disappointing outing at the Optus Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Kohli and Rohit made disappointing returns in the ODI series.
- India's top order struggled early in the innings.
- Shubman Gill's captaincy debut was challenging.
- The match raised concerns about India's World Cup readiness.
- Fans were hopeful but left disappointed.
Perth, Oct 19 (NationPress) Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made a muted return to international cricket, with both players scoring low in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the almost sold-out Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Their comeback was highly anticipated following their retirement from Test and T20I formats, marking a significant moment in the series. However, both former India captains were unable to leave a mark, which set a cautious precedent for India's innings.
As the duo took to the field, the fans erupted in applause, but the atmosphere turned somber as they were dismissed.
Opening the batting with newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, Rohit fell in the fourth over, managing only eight runs off 14 balls as Josh Hazlewood secured the first breakthrough for his side.
Despite expectations for Kohli to shine, as he typically does in Australia, the Indian team faced another setback when the 36-year-old batter returned without scoring. Kohli's innings ended with an eight-ball duck after a delivery from Mitch Marsh.
In a flash, Team India found themselves three wickets down as Nathan Ellis dismissed the opposition skipper. Gill, who started promisingly with a couple of boundaries, fell for just 10 runs off 18 balls.
In his first ODI as captain, Gill attempted to flick a ball but ended up getting a faint edge, resulting in a catch behind by wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, leaving India reeling before the end of the first powerplay.
With the top three back in the pavilion, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel entered the field, aiming to stabilize the innings.
Prior to the match, the visitors welcomed the return of their legendary players, Kohli and Rohit, both with something to prove. Their last competitive outing was during the IPL, with Rohit playing for the Mumbai Indians and Kohli lifting the trophy with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Now both over 30, their aspirations to represent India in the World Cup depend heavily on their performances leading up to the tournament.
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Point of View
My perspective is clear: while the return of Kohli and Rohit was expected with much enthusiasm, their lack of performance raises questions about their future in the squad. India must adapt quickly if they wish to succeed in the upcoming World Cup.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Kohli and Rohit in the ODI?
Both players made a subdued return, scoring low runs in the first ODI against Australia, disappointing fans and raising concerns.
How did the fans react to their return?
Fans initially applauded their return, but silence followed their dismissals, highlighting the disappointment.
What are the implications of their performance?
Their struggles could affect their selection for the World Cup, as consistent performance is crucial in the lead-up to the tournament.
When was the last time Kohli and Rohit played before this ODI?
Their last competitive match was during the IPL, prior to this ODI.
What does this mean for Team India?
India needs to reassess their batting strategy as they prepare for the World Cup, especially with key players underperforming.
