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Kohli-Rohit White-Ball Future: Why Perth Failure Raises Big Questions

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has raised serious concerns about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's white-ball future. Both star batters failed miserably in their return to international cricket after a long break. Panesar believes the remaining two ODIs against Australia are crucial for their careers. With young players waiting in the wings, their performances in Adelaide could determine their international futures.

Key Points: Monty Panesar on Kohli Rohit ODI Future After Perth Loss

  • Kohli scored eight-ball duck in first ODI return after March 2025
  • Rohit managed just 14-ball eight before early dismissal
  • Panesar warns young players are waiting to replace veterans
  • India lost by seven wickets via DLS method in rain-hit Perth game
2 min read

Big series for their future in white-ball cricket: Monty Panesar on Rohit and Kohli's poor show in Perth

Former England spinner warns Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's white-ball careers depend on remaining Australia ODIs after poor Perth performance.

"It's a big series for both of these players for their future in white ball cricket for India - Monty Panesar"

New Delhi, Oct 22

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar believes that India’s ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia is crucial for veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and said that the duo’s white-ball career depends on the remaining two games.

The duo, who returned to international cricket on Sunday for the first time since March 2025, was expected to fire with the bat but couldn’t rise to the occasion. In the first ODI against Australia, Rohit was the first to be dismissed, scoring a 14-ball eight, before Kohli departed, scoring an eight-ball duck.

Panesar, speaking to IANS, stated that the ODI future of the two top-order batters depends on how they perform in the remaining two games on Thursday and Saturday.

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma didn't perform so well, and this is a big series for both of them. They need to perform; they need to do really well. But if they are not able to sustain those performances, you know. Adelaide is going to be a big one for them; they have got to perform well in both these games because you've got young players coming through. And they've done their bit. They've won the World Cups, and it's a big series for both of these players for their future in white ball cricket for India,” Panesar said.

India slumped to defeat in the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth as the hosts won by seven wickets via the DLS method. It was a frustrating outing for players of both teams as rain kept intervening at regular intervals.

The extensive rain breaks led to the match being cut short to 26 overs per innings. India's batters, after being put to bat first, failed to gain momentum in the game after a top-order collapse early in the Power-play.

Australia chased down the 131-run target with ease after restricting India to a paltry total to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The two sides will face off in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

-- IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Monty Panesar is right to some extent. We need to start thinking about transition. Young players like Gill and Iyer are performing consistently. Time to give them more opportunities? 🤔
S
Sarah B
The rain interruptions really disrupted the flow of the game. Tough conditions for any batsman to perform. Let's not judge them on one match in difficult circumstances.
A
Arjun K
Virat and Rohit are legends of the game, but honestly, their recent form in ODIs has been concerning. Maybe it's time to focus on T20s and Tests and let younger players take over ODI duties? 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
As a cricket fan from Australia, I must say it's surprising to see such pressure on Kohli and Rohit. They're world-class players who will definitely bounce back. Looking forward to a competitive Adelaide match! 🏏
K
Kavya N
The team management needs to be clear about their plans. Either back these experienced players completely or start building for the future. This uncertainty isn't good for anyone. #TeamIndia

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