Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on the underwhelming performances of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s first ODI against Australia in Perth, stating that their failure to fire was “not unexpected” given their long absence from competitive cricket. Speaking ahead of the second ODI in Adelaide, Gavaskar urged fans and critics not to be surprised if both senior batters bounce back strongly in the remaining matches of the series.
Kohli and Rohit returned to the Indian squad after a seven-month hiatus, having last played together during the Champions Trophy 2025. In Perth, Rohit managed just eight runs while Kohli was dismissed for a duck, raising questions about their form and future in the ODI setup. Gavaskar, however, dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that rhythm and match fitness take time to rebuild.
🧠 Key Highlights from Gavaskar’s Commentary
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Australia, 1st ODI, Perth |
| Date | October 19, 2025 |
| Kohli’s Score | 0 (8 balls) |
| Rohit’s Score | 8 runs |
| Gavaskar’s View | Not unexpected, long break affects rhythm |
| Prediction | “Don’t be surprised if they score big in Adelaide” |
| Context | Return after 7-month gap, post Champions Trophy |
Gavaskar’s remarks were made during a pre-match show on Star Sports, where he also backed the duo to play a pivotal role in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
📊 Timeline of Kohli-Rohit ODI Comeback and Performance
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | Champions Trophy ends, Kohli and Rohit take break |
| October 2025 | Return for Australia ODI series |
| October 19 | Fail to score in Perth ODI |
| October 21 | Gavaskar defends duo, predicts comeback |
Their return has sparked debates on age, fitness, and succession planning in Indian cricket.
🗣️ Reactions from Experts, Fans, and Analysts
- Harsha Bhogle: “Gavaskar’s point is valid. You don’t judge legends on one game.”
- Former Selector: “They need a few games to settle. Let’s not rush conclusions.”
- Fan on X: “Trust Gavaskar. Kohli and Rohit will silence critics in Adelaide.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Cricket Experts | Supporting Gavaskar’s assessment |
| Fans | Divided between patience and criticism |
| Selectors | Monitoring performance for long-term plans |
| Media | Framing it as a redemption arc |
The second ODI in Adelaide is now being seen as a litmus test for the veterans.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Kohli and Rohit’s ODI Form Since 2023
| Year | Kohli ODI Avg | Rohit ODI Avg | Matches Played | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 52.3 | 45.7 | 18 | 3 |
| 2024 | 48.9 | 42.1 | 12 | 2 |
| 2025 (so far) | 0.0 | 8.0 | 1 | 0 |
Their overall record remains strong, but recent gaps have affected momentum.
🧭 What to Watch in the Remaining Australia ODIs
- Adelaide ODI: Key opportunity for Kohli-Rohit to regain form
- Team Strategy: Possible reshuffle in batting order or role clarity
- Selectors’ Lens: Performance may influence long-term planning
- Fan Sentiment: Social media reactions could shape narrative
Gavaskar’s confidence in the duo reflects a belief in class over form, a sentiment echoed by many in the cricketing fraternity.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified match reports, expert commentary, and media coverage as of October 21, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute performance prediction, player endorsement, or official BCCI commentary and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
