Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have impressed one and all with their energy and rhythm during training sessions in Perth ahead of their much-awaited one-day international comebacks.
The two ODI greats attended India’s training sessions on Thursday and Friday at Optus Stadium, gearing up for the ODI series starting on Sunday in Perth.
As expected , with hundreds turning up to watch the batting greats prepare for what could well be their swansong in Australia. Rohit and Kohli are returning to international cricket for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, the pair will now feature only in a handful of one-dayers over the next two years as they set their sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
After arriving in Perth on Thursday morning, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli wasted no time getting into their groove during net sessions at Optus Stadium. Following multiple flight delays, the team landed in Perth at 4 a.m. local time, and five players attended the optional training session – two of them being Rohit and Kohli.
Both batters took some time to get going and adjust to the conditions, appearing rusty only for the first few minutes of their nets session on Thursday. On Day 1, Kohli batted for 30 minutes while Rohit faced the bowlers for about 40 minutes, according to Star Sports’ Rohan Deshmukh.
India all-rounder Axar Patel, who spoke to the press on Friday, gave Rohit and Kohli a big thumbs up, saying they looked sharp in training.
“If you talk about the form, they are senior players, they have prepared really well. They have been training for the last few months. In the training, they both looked in very good touch. And fitness-wise, everybody went through fitness tests. There was training in the Centre of Excellence. They are ready to go,” he said.
RINGSIDE VIEW OF ROHIT-KOHLI TRAINING
In a moment that went viral on social media, On Day 1, Rohit focused on timing and technique, working on flicks and front-foot drives against the throw-downs.
Both players also took part in fielding drills. Rohit, who has shed 10 kilograms ahead of the tour during intense training sessions with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, moved freely on the field, taking several tricky catches under the Perth sun.
On Day 2, training became more structured, with batters working in pairs – Rohit batted with Shubman Gill, while Kohli shared his stint with Shreyas Iyer. Rohit faced both spin and pace during his session, playing a range of shots square of the wicket and gradually finding fluency as the nets progressed. He appeared particularly intent on playing square of the wicket, bringing out his trademark pull and cut shots.
Kohli, meanwhile, began Day 2 by facing spin, as Rohit and Gill were the first to occupy the pacers’ nets. Once he switched to the pacers’ net – which also included throw-down specialists – there was noticeable energy in his movements. Kohli’s footwork stood out; he used his feet well, moving decisively both forward and back, and played his strokes with authority. Each time he timed the ball cleanly, there was a visible spring in his step, reflecting both rhythm and confidence ahead of his ODI return.
LEADER ROHIT ON SHOW
Rohit Sharma was also seen having an extended conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill, who has taken over as India’s ODI captain. The senior batter spent considerable time observing the surface alongside Gill, discussing the pitch conditions and exchanging thoughts with teammates before the session began.
Despite no longer holding the captaincy, Rohit was actively involved throughout the training, even having a detailed discussion with the team analyst about match preparation and strategy.
All eyes will be on the two doyens when they step out on the field on Sunday in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium. The world knows that two of India’s most celebrated cricketers are in the twilight of their careers. While fans will look to savour every moment of seeing them on the field, Rohit and Kohli will be focused on easing back into international cricket.
With selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar making it clear that the two batters are not on trial, the emphasis will be on getting their game right and maintaining match fitness in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.