'They’ll Most Likely Be in the 2027 World Cup Team' – Ponting on Rohit & Kohli

Former India coach Ravi Shastri admitted that it’s tough for any player, especially for two who haven’t played international cricket in seven months, to land in Australia just a few days before a match and perform well, no matter the format. Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli felt that the hard way in Perth during the first ODI against Australia on Sunday.

But Australian great Ricky Ponting has no doubt that both players will bounce back in Adelaide for the second ODI. He also emphasized how important they will be for India in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

"I'd expect to see both those guys bounce back into it pretty quickly, not many places that are better to go and bat in a one-day game than Adelaide Oval and the South Australian venue has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli, in particular, having played some of his best knocks there," Ponting said on the ICC Review ahead of the second ODI.

Ponting Says Rohit and Kohli Can Bounce Back, Shastri Urges Patience

Ricky Ponting said that it won’t be easy for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who looked a bit rusty in the first match. He believes Adelaide is the perfect place for them to get back into form. However, the southern part of Australia has been a little wet, so it will be interesting to see how they adjust to the conditions while also trying to score runs.

 "Adelaide is a great place to bat and a great place to play cricket. But it won't be easy for the fact that they are facing some of the best white-ball bowlers that have ever played the game. So, the challenge is definitely there," Ponting added.

"But I say it all the time, you don't write off champion players ever. And these two guys have been two of the best, and while I'm on record saying I think Virat's the best 50-over player I've ever seen, you don't write them off," Ponting said.

"They'll find a way to contribute and win games for their team, and if they do that, then they'll most likely be in that World Cup team in 2027," he said.

Shastri, however, was willing to wait before judging Rohit and Kohli’s future. He said that with their skill and experience, they should be given some time.

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