Former India coach Ravi Shastri has emphasized the need for Virat Kohli to swiftly regain his form after facing difficulties against Australia in the ongoing series. Kohli, returning to international cricket after a prolonged break since the Champions Trophy in February, has encountered a challenging comeback. Notably, Kohli registered consecutive ducks in the series, contributing to India’s loss, notably in the Adelaide ODI.
During the match on October 23, Shastri, while commentating, highlighted the intense competition for spots within the team, stressing that no player, including Virat or Rohit, can afford to be complacent. Shastri noted that Kohli appeared hesitant in his footwork during the Adelaide game, a rare occurrence considering his outstanding track record in one-day cricket.
Shastri’s remarks followed his public backing of Kohli and Rohit Sharma before the second ODI. Concerns arose among fans regarding Kohli’s potential retirement after he gestured farewell to the crowd in Adelaide following his dismissal. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar dismissed these speculations, affirming that Kohli is not the type to contemplate retirement after two low scores. Gavaskar explained that Kohli aims to retire on a high note, participating in future events such as the Sydney match, the South Africa ODI series, and the 2027 World Cup alongside Rohit.
The third ODI between India and Australia is scheduled for October 25, setting the stage for another riveting encounter between the two cricketing giants.