Former India batsman Mohammed Kaif has harshly criticized Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for failing to score runs in the first match of India’s 2025 tour to Australia. He said what a great hitter you are. This is a rhythm game, and the two had the opportunity to go out early and get an extra practice session.
India suffered a crushing defeat against Australia in the first ODI. Rain may have played the most devastating role in this match, but Australia’s pacers could also benefit. India’s top order crumbled in the face of some quality bowling, but then the Australians stormed back inside just 21.1 overs.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had their chances – Mohammed Kaif
With the return of the two Indian veterans, all eyes were on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who made their long-awaited return to international cricket. However, after such a long hiatus and not having much game time before the start of the series, the two looked deserted at first.
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Additionally, the Australian weather was unfavorable for batting, which was further spoiled by rain affecting play on numerous occasions. Kohli got his maiden duck for Australia while Rohit scored at least one boundary and eight runs.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said both Rohit and Virat Kohli should have traveled to Australia in advance to adjust to the conditions coming out of a six-month hibernation period in international cricket.
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had chances. But they may have thought they would go with the team because of the people behind them anyway. There may have been some pressure like, ‘Virat should travel with the team.’ He moved to England so there was that pressure. If he hadn’t traveled with the team, it would have been a different problem. So he got caught up in it,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“No matter how big a batsman you are, it’s a game of rhythm,” said Mohammad Kaif.
Mohammad Kaif pointed out that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma missed a golden opportunity to head to Australia before the rest of the Indian team as they were not part of the West Indies home series.
He further maintained that irrespective of a batsman’s stature, he needs to get used to the conditions of a circuit like Australia, especially after being away from international cricket for a long time. He also mentioned the importance of match time and rhythm in a cricket match.
“These two had a chance to go there eight to 10 days ago. No matter how big of a hitter you are, it’s a rhythm game. A team like Australia is unforgiving if you don’t get into a rhythm. I think they should have come earlier.”
Rohit’s dismissal is said to be dangerous due to lack of game time
After explaining the mistakes made by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he further cited the example of Rohit Sharma’s wicket as a classic example of a lack of game. That’s because Rohit tried to play his favorite short ball and got out.
“Rohit pulls the short balls. He pulls the balls that come out. But he needed to prepare because he lacked match practice and was engaging with Hazlewood in a good rhythm,” he observed.
“If he’s in good form, he hits that ball for sixes. But maybe here he thought he would take a little time to get used to the pitch. He looked lost. His confidence in this match was low because of the lack of practice and preparation,” he concluded.
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