Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s performance in the current ODI series against Australia will determine whether this star Indian pair can play until the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli and Rohit, who now only play in the ODI format, did not have a good start when they returned to play their first international match since March, failing to last long against Australia’s fast bowlers on Perth’s bouncy pitch. India lost that match by seven wickets.
The second ODI of the three-match series will be held on Thursday in Adelaide, where conditions will be more favorable for Indian batsmen compared to Perth.
Speaking with former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri on ‘ICC Review’, Ponting said this veteran pair should set short-term goals for themselves rather than only thinking about the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Ponting said, “One thing I don’t like hearing from anyone is that ‘I’ve achieved everything in the game’, because I think you should still have some short-term goals. You shouldn’t only be thinking about the ODI World Cup happening in 2027.”
He said, “Virat has always been an extremely inspirational person and I think he would have set some goals for the current series against Australia. He wouldn’t be wasting his time thinking about the next World Cup. We’ll have to see if they can maintain their best performance until the World Cup. As Ravi said, we’ll get the answer during this series.”
In the first ODI, Rohit and Kohli’s performance didn’t meet expectations, but Shastri believes these two great limited-overs players should be given more time as they will need time to regain rhythm after being away from competitive cricket following the IPL.
He said, “When you return after a long time, obviously you won’t be in rhythm. It’s not easy for any foreign team to arrive in Australia just two days before a match in Perth and immediately adapt to the conditions, especially when you’re getting extra bounce and facing good fast bowlers.”
Shastri said, “But I think only time will tell. I’m not rushing to any conclusions. It’s about how much you’re enjoying the game and how much hunger and passion for playing remains within you. Both are skilled players. They have experience. They should be given time.”
Perth
Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia, founded in 1829 as the Swan River Colony. It grew from a small British settlement into a modern, vibrant city, experiencing major economic booms driven by gold rushes in the late 19th century and later mineral resources. Today, it is known for its beautiful parks, Swan River, and proximity to natural landscapes like Kings Park.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, founded in 1836 as a planned colony for free settlers, unlike other Australian cities which began as penal settlements. It is renowned for its wide boulevards, expansive parklands, and vibrant cultural scene, earning it the nickname “the City of Churches.” The city is a major hub for food and wine, largely due to its proximity to the renowned Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions.
ODI World Cup
The ODI World Cup, officially known as the ICC Cricket World Cup, is the premier international championship for One Day International (ODI) cricket. First held in 1975 in England, it is organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and takes place every four years, featuring the top national teams from around the world competing for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
ICC Review
I am unable to provide a summary for “ICC Review” as it does not appear to be a specific place or cultural site. The term could refer to a publication, a process, or an event related to the International Criminal Court (ICC), but it is not a landmark or a cultural destination with a physical history.
IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007. It has since become one of the most prominent and lucrative cricket tournaments in the world, known for its high-energy matches, celebrity team owners, and international star players. The league’s franchise-based model and annual season have revolutionized the sport’s commercial and entertainment appeal.
Australia
Australia is both a country and a continent with a rich history spanning over 65,000 years of continuous Indigenous culture. British colonization began in 1788, establishing a penal colony that evolved into a nation through federation in 1901. Today, it is known for its unique wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant multicultural cities.
India
India is a South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. It is the birthplace of four major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—and has a rich history marked by ancient empires, the Mughal era, and British colonial rule. Today, it is known for its vast cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and as the world’s largest democracy.
