New Delhi– The countdown is on for Indian cricket’s most celebrated duo. After a disappointing return in Perth, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli head to Adelaide with both form and future under intense scrutiny.
Thursday’s second ODI against Australia offers India not only a chance to level the series, but also an opportunity for two legends to remind the world that true class doesn’t fade — even after time away from the crease.
In the rain-hit opener, India’s batting rust was clear. Returning to the 50-over format after more than seven months, Rohit managed just 8 runs, while Kohli fell for a duck. India stumbled to 136 for 9 in 26 overs, a target Australia comfortably chased down in just 22 overs to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
The much-anticipated comeback from India’s senior stars promised plenty but yielded little. Both players, having last featured in an ODI during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, appeared short of rhythm and match sharpness. For fans accustomed to seeing them anchor India’s innings for over a decade, it was an unsettling sight.
As the action shifts to Adelaide, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both Rohit and Kohli already stepping away from Tests and T20Is to focus on the one-day format, their ODI futures are now under evaluation. A commanding innings could rewrite the narrative; another failure might raise fresh doubts about their long-term roles in the team.
For India, Thursday’s clash represents more than just a battle to stay alive in the series — it’s about pride, resilience, and timing the perfect comeback. For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it may well decide how the next chapter of their storied careers is written. (Source: IANS)
