Ex-India batsman Aakash Chopra gave his opinion on India skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's early dismissal inside the first ODI against Australia at Perth Stadium on Sunday, October 19. As a result of Australia's Mitchell Marsh winning the toss and asking India to bat, Rohit and Kohli got out for low scores 8 (14) and 0 (8), respectively. The match that was shortened due to rain and the DLS method India lost by seven wickets in the end.
Rohit and Kohli were coming back in the fold after the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Chopra said that it is quite normal to see a player struggling after a long break especially under such tough conditions like Perth and asked the fans to give them some time to get back to their tempo.
Learning curve after a long layoff, says Akash Chopra
Chopra elaborated, “If you walk out to play after 220 days, that too in Perth, where there is extra bounce and pace, this can happen. At times, there can be a good ball, or at times, the hands are away from the body. It’s okay, there are two more matches still to go, and these guys are not going anywhere. Don’t jump to any conclusion. It’s just one match; Adelaide and Sydney are still left,” he said in a video posted on his X handle.
The former cricketer also used a cycle analogy to explain the process of regaining form. “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli got out early. You’re wondering how this happened. Have you ridden a cycle? Once you learn how to ride a cycle, you don’t forget it for the rest of your life. However, if you ride a cycle after five years, you won’t be able to ride it with both your hands off the handlebars, like you used to. You will need practice again, and only then will you be confident enough,” Chopra added.
