Perth, Australia - After Virat Kohli's return to international cricket ended in an eight-ball duck against Australia in the first ODI in Perth, teammate Arshdeep Singh has downplayed concerns about Kohli's form, backing the former India captain to bounce back strongly. India lost the match by seven wickets, but Singh's comments suggest the team remains confident in Kohli's ability to perform in the remaining matches of the series.
Kohli, who was making his first international appearance in months, fell victim to Mitchell Starc, edging a drive to Cooper Connolly at backward point. Despite the setback, Arshdeep Singh, speaking at the post-match press conference, dismissed the notion that Kohli's form was a concern. "He has played more than 300 ODIs for India, so form is just a word for him," Arshdeep stated, emphasizing Kohli's vast experience and understanding of the game.
Arshdeep further added, "He knows how to get going. It is always like a blessing to be in the same dressing room with him, and going forward, I feel there'll be a lot of runs for him in this series as well". The left-arm pacer's words reflect the respect and confidence the team has in Kohli's capabilities, especially in the ODI format.
Kohli and fellow senior player Rohit Sharma now primarily feature in ODIs, having retired from Test and T20I cricket. Arshdeep admitted uncertainty regarding Kohli's feelings about focusing on one format. "Talking about the format he is playing, he has mastered this one. So I don't know how he feels about it. I will ask him about his feelings, and maybe tell you in the next press conference," Arshdeep said.
Prior to the match, Kohli had expressed his anticipation for the challenges in Australia, a country where he feels he has grown as a cricketer. "I am feeling as fit, if not fitter, as I have ever been before and you can feel the freshness when you can play the game and mentally you know what to do out there," Kohli told Fox Cricket. He also acknowledged the importance of physical preparation.
Kohli reflected on his past experiences in Australia, saying, "The Australian set up, how they played their cricket and how they were in your face all the time, intimidating and taking the game on, that was something that really inspired me to come here and do the same". He added, "That really tests your mental strength and resilience... I am really grateful to all those times because that shaped me as a cricketer and as a person as well".
The focus now shifts to the remaining ODIs in Adelaide and Sydney, where Kohli will be looking to make a significant impact. He stands on the verge of achieving a historic milestone, needing just one more century to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries in a single format.
Despite the loss in the first ODI, Arshdeep Singh commended the Australian team's performance, acknowledging the challenging conditions and the interruptions that made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to maintain concentration. He also lauded Shubman Gill's captaincy, noting that Gill supported the bowlers' plans and encouraged them to bowl freely.
