Kohli’s return raises questions, not answers
Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to international cricket at the Perth ODI failed to live up to expectations. Dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc, Kohli’s rusty outing came after a prolonged break and sparked renewed scrutiny over his place in India’s long-term plans. With no more scheduled tours to Australia until at least 2027, the recent series is widely seen as potentially his final trip Down Under.
Amid growing conversations about Kohli’s role in the lead-up to the next World Cup, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has delivered a pointed reminder about the mindset needed at the highest level.
Speaking on the most recent episode of the ICC Review podcast (alongside Ravi Shastri), Ponting said:
“The one thing I don’t like hearing from anyone is that ‘I’ve achieved everything in the game’ because I think you still have to have some really short-term goals and not just be hanging on to try and get through to the 2027 World Cup.”
Ahead of the match in Perth, Kohli had spoken in an interview with Fox about feeling refreshed after a long break. However, his performance did not mirror those sentiments, as he registered his first-ever ODI duck in Australia, slashing at a wide delivery and walking off after just eight balls — a disappointing outing that underscored the scrutiny he now faces.
Maintaining motivation, even for legends
Ponting, who has closely followed Kohli’s career trajectory, acknowledged the batter’s history of self-motivation but emphasized the importance of staying purpose-driven throughout this series.
“Virat’s always been a highly motivated person. And I’d like to think that he’s probably sat down and even just given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia and not be just waiting and killing time for that next World Cup to come around.”
Along with Kohli, Rohit Sharma has also drawn attention following a lacklustre return at Perth. Both players — now in the twilight of their careers — are being closely watched for signs of form that could cement their places in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
Ponting highlighted how breaks from the game can disrupt rhythm, but stressed that conditions in Australia, particularly in Adelaide, may work in the duo’s favour.
“Finding your rhythm and tempo is the biggest thing. When you’ve had a break, just getting back used to the rhythm and the tempo of the 50-over game again, it takes a little bit of time for anybody. I’d expect to see both those guys bounce back into it pretty quickly. As I said, 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.”
‘Don’t write off champion players’
Despite public concerns about their future, Ponting firmly believes that both Kohli and Rohit have plenty to offer — if they can recapture their best form.
“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. 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.”
When asked directly about their World Cup prospects, Ponting didn’t hesitate to back their inclusion — provided they perform at their peak.
“At their absolute best, yes, of course they’re in India’s best team.”
But he was also clear that their spot is far from guaranteed.
“But can they find their best between now and when that World Cup rocks around?”
“And that’s only an answer that, like [Ravi] Shastri said, that we’ll find out in a short period of time.”
Adelaide offers ideal stage for comeback
Looking ahead to the second ODI at Adelaide Oval — a venue both Kohli and Rohit have enjoyed batting on — Ponting sees opportunity in the conditions that await.
“They will get some really good batting wickets coming up over the next few weeks here in Australia. There’s not many places that are better to go and bat in a one-day game than Adelaide Oval, which is coming up in a couple of days.”
As the ODI series continues, all eyes will remain on India’s senior pros — not just for immediate impact, but for signs that they’re building toward one last major tournament run.
