
New Delhi: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and star Australias legend Ricky Ponting opened up on Indias batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohlis comeback to international cricket in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. In their comeback ODI clash both struggled with Rohit scoring 8 off 14 balls and Kohli dismissed for an eight-ball duck. Having retired from Tests and T20Is over the past 18 months the duo now only feature in 50-over cricket and Sunday marked their first international appearance since the ICC Champions Trophy in early March where they managed only modest contributions with the bat against Australia. Rohit and Kohlis 2027 World Cup availability uncertain There is numerous speculation about whether the Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit and Kohli will feature in the next World Cup in South Africa Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027 and whether their extended break from international cricket has impacted their form ahead of their comeback in Australia. When you come back from a long layoff you are obviously going to be rusty. Its not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia say two days prior to a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away especially when you have that extra bounce and against quality fast bowlers Shastri said. But I think only time will tell. Theyll go to Adelaide they have some time off to get into the nets get their minds sorted and get back into action. So Im in no hurry to judge but its when you come back at that age after some time its about how much youre enjoying the sport and how much hunger is there and passion is left in you to play the game he added. So if you tick the boxes in two out of those three especially the enjoyment part of it then you can give them both time because theyve got class theyve got experience and a little bit of time will sort things out. But Id rather wait than jump and judge immediately he concluded. Ricky Ponting supported Shastris remark Ponting agreed with Shastri noting that Kohli is likely focusing on short-term goals during the Australian tour which will help him determine whether to continue playing. The one thing I dont like hearing from anyone is that Ive achieved everything in the game because I think you still have to have some really short-term goals and not just be hanging on to try and get through to the 2027 World Cup Ponting said. Virats always been a highly motivated person. And Id like to think that hes probably sat down and even just given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia and not be just waiting and killing time for that next World Cup to come around he added. What we know with both of those guys at their absolute best yes of course theyre in Indias best team. But can they find their best between now and when that World Cup rocks around? And thats only an answer that like Ravi said that well find out in a short period of time. They will get some really good batting wickets coming up over the next few weeks here in Australia. Theres not many places that are better to go and bat in a one-day game than Adelaide Oval which is coming up in a couple of days Ponting concluded.
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