"No matter how big a batter you're": Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma torn apart by ex-India star after Perth ODI failure
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Former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif has taken a dig at Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after they failed to score runs on their first outing in the India tour of Australia 2025. He said how big a batter you are; this is a game of rhythm and the two had the opportunity to go out early and get some additional practice sessions.
India faced a crushing defeat against Australia in the first ODI. The rain might have played one of the most devastating roles in the match, but the Australian pacers were also right on the money. The Indian top order crashed in front of the quality bowling and then the Australians romped the chase within just 21.1 overs.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had the opportunity - Mohammed Kaif
With the return of the two Indian veterans, the spotlight was on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following their much-awaited return to international cricket. However, after such a long gap and without much game time ahead of the start of the series, the two looked rusty first up.
Moreover, the Australian conditions were adverse for batting and were further ruined due to rain affecting play on multiple occasions. While Rohit managed at least one boundary and 8 runs, Kohli got out for a maiden duck in Australia.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stated that both Rohit and Virat Kohli should have traveled beforehand to Australia to adapt to the conditions coming off a hibernating phase of 6 months in international cricket.
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had the opportunity. But maybe they thought they would go together with the team, as people are behind them anyway. There might have been pressure, like ‘Virat should travel with the team’; he has shifted to England, so that pressure was there. It would have been another problem if he had not travelled with the team. So he got caught in this,” said Kaif on his YouTube channel.
"No matter how big a batter you are, this is a game of rhythm," opined Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif pointed out that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both missed out on the fine opportunity to travel to Australia ahead of the rest of the Indian team, since they were not part of the West Indies home series.
He further claimed that whatever the stature of a batter, anyone would need to acclimatize to the conditions of a track like Australia, especially after being away from international cricket for so long. He also mentioned the importance of gametime and rhythm in the game of cricket.
“These two had an opportunity to go there eight to ten days earlier. No matter how big a batter you are, this is a game of rhythm. A team like Australia will not spare you if you are not in rhythm. I feel it would have been better if they had arrived earlier,” he explained.
Rohit's dismissal cited as a hazard caused by a lack of gametime
After having explained the mistakes committed by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he further went on to cite the example of Rohit Sharma's wicket as a classic case of lack of game, since Rohit got out in an attempt to play his favourite, the short ball.
“Rohit pulls the short ball. He pulls the ball that he got out to. But because he did not have enough game practice and it was seaming with Hazlewood in good rhythm, he had to be prepared," he observed.
"If he is in form, he hits that ball for a six. But maybe here he thought to take some time and get used to the pitch. He seemed to be in two minds. Due to a lack of practice and preparation, his confidence was low in this game,” he concluded.
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Virat Kohli India National Cricket Team Australia National Cricket Team India vs Australia Mohammad Kaif Rohit Sharma
