Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli must find his batting rhythm in the ODI series in Australia. The veteran batter made ducks in the first two matches. Australia have sealed the three–match series with one to spare.
It’s a critical time for Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The ageing superstars have retired from Tests and T20Is. Speculation is rife whether they will last till the 50-over World Cup in 2027. Both are under pressure to perform in the series in Australia.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Shastri reminded that no player can afford mistakes in the current Indian set–up. “He will have to get some form pretty quickly. The competition for places is such in India in white-ball cricket, no one is going to relax, whether it is Virat or Rohit or anyone in the team,” Shastri said.
Kohli’s struggles have raised questions about his place in the ODI batting line–up. Returning to international cricket after the Champions Trophy in March, he was expected to make an impact. Instead, he was struggling, as he returned two consecutive ducks for the first time in his career. In the first match, he was caught in the gully region. In the second, he was trapped leg-before.
Shastri believes Kohli’s form will decide the final selection. “It isn’t going to be easy. There is competition. He has missed out again. He was a little tentative with his footwork. It does not happen often. His record in one-day cricket is phenomenal, so for him to get two ducks on the trot, he will be disappointed,” he added.
The third and final ODI is in Sydney on October 25
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