“They can focus on playing more games before going on tours”: Former cricketer’s blunt take on Kohli and Rohit’s failure in 1st ODI vs AUS

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should focus on playing more games before going on any tour. The duo struggled in the first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Playing their first international match after the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, Rohit managed just 8 runs before Josh Hazlewood dismissed him. Virat failed to open his account and was sent back by Mitchell Starc.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma couldn’t play matches before the assignment Down Under as they retired from Test cricket and T20Is. According to a few former players, the two had a chance to play for India A against Australia A.

“I think they can focus more on playing games before going on tours, but it is not in their hands, as planning is needed from the team management. It is too early to talk about them as there are still a few more games left. My worry is about their limited game time,” R Ashwin said.

“It is not going to be easy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I hope they can return to their best, but it is going to be tough as they haven’t played matches. Planning is a must before any international tour. We often travel overseas 10-15 days in advance, so this is something that can be looked into,” he added.