Rusty. That was the word used to describe Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s single-digit scores in the Perth ODI. On a lively pitch, the ball was doing the tricks, and neither of India’s modern-day greats was good enough to see through Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood’s opening spells.
Not getting judged but getting judged
Most weren’t critical of Rohit or Kohli. It was their first competitive match since early June. Therefore, it wasn’t outside the realm of consequences. Of course, one can’t forget that they retired from Test cricket due to non-performance in the same country less than 12 months ago.
Although ODI is a different format, surely, they remembered what happened the last time they played in Australia. Perhaps the tough surface, good bowling, lack of game time, and some not-so-great memories all played a part in their underwhelming return to international cricket.
Prior to the Perth ODI, Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar had stated that Rohit and Kohli won’t be judged after each game. “I mean, that’ll be a bit silly, won’t it? (On them proving their spot after each other) When the guys have—one averages over 50 and one averages close to 50. You’re not going to put them on trial after every game,” Agarkar had said.
But that is what the selectors think of them. Who knows how the general cricket lover in India will react if they were to fail in the India vs Australia 2nd ODI? Based on this singular non-performance, some have already started to demand they retire, forgetting what they have done for over 15 years now.
Time running out?
It’s imperative for Rohit and Kohli to perform in Adelaide. The selectors and management may back them for the time being, but outside voices always play a role. Also, one can’t forget that earlier in the month, Agarkar had said that they were ‘non-committal’ about the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With each failure, people will talk about how they are denying players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Sai Sudharsan the chance to play ODI cricket for India. They have reached the stage of their careers where, after each dismissal, questions will be asked. Even the greatest Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar, wasn’t spared.
This ongoing India vs Australia ODI series has already been tipped as the last time Rohit and Kohli travel to Australian shores as players. Basically, it’s the start of the end. Both want a swansong finish to their international careers. That didn’t happen for them in Test cricket, and if they don’t wish to suffer the same fate in ODIs, their bats will have to start talking soon.
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