The recent dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the first ODI against Australia in Perth serve as a stark warning sign for the Indian team. Both batsmen, returning to international cricket after a considerable break, failed to make an impact, exposing vulnerabilities that the team must address swiftly.
Rohit Sharma, playing his 500th international match, managed a mere 8 runs off 14 balls before falling to Josh Hazlewood. Kohli, on the other hand, was dismissed for a duck, his first in ODIs in Australia, after facing just eight deliveries. Their combined score of 8 runs marked a concerning start for India, who were asked to bat first by Australia. The top order crumbled, leaving India struggling at 25/3 early in the innings.
Several factors contributed to their dismissals. The Perth pitch, known for its extra pace and bounce, posed a significant challenge. Hazlewood's delivery to Rohit had extra bounce, leading to an edge caught in the slips. Kohli, meanwhile, chased a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc and was caught at point. According to former India coach Ravi Shastri, the extra bounce in Perth makes it difficult for Asian batsmen accustomed to lower bounce wickets in India.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor criticized the duo's approach, suggesting they didn't allow themselves enough time to adjust to the conditions. Both Kohli and Rohit were playing their first competitive match since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in June 2025. While they had been training, the lack of match practice was evident. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously suggested that the two should play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prepare for future ODI selections, emphasizing the importance of match practice as players age.
These dismissals highlight the need for the players and the team management to be proactive. Former India bowler Varun Aaron suggested that Kohli and Rohit should emulate MS Dhoni's approach of playing domestic cricket to stay in touch with the game, especially since they are primarily one-format players now. Aakash Chopra noted the challenges both players face in regaining their form due to their limited exposure to different formats.
Moving forward, Kohli and Rohit need to reassess their strategies and adapt to the demands of international cricket, especially on challenging pitches. This might involve spending more time at the crease to familiarize themselves with the conditions before playing expansive shots. The team management needs to ensure that these senior players get sufficient match practice to maintain their sharpness. The upcoming white-ball domestic season presents an opportunity for them to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and fine-tune their skills.
The failure of Kohli and Rohit in Perth is not just an individual setback but a wake-up call for the entire Indian team. It underscores the importance of adaptability, match practice, and strategic planning. As India prepares for future ODIs, including the 2027 World Cup, addressing these warning signs will be crucial for their success.
