Ahead of their eagerly anticipated one-day international comebacks, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have dazzled everyone with their vigor and rhythm during training sessions in Perth.
In preparation for the ODI series that begins in Perth on Sunday, the two ODI greats went to India’s training sessions on Thursday and Friday at Optus Stadium.
As anticipated, hundreds of people flocked to Optus Stadium to witness the batting legends get ready for what might be their final appearance in Australia. For the first time since India won the Champions Trophy in March, Rohit and Kohli are playing for the national team again. The two will now only play in a few one-day matches over the following two years as they aim to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup after retiring from Test and T20I cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma quickly settled into their rhythm during net sessions at Optus Stadium after landing in Perth on Thursday morning. Five players, including Rohit and Kohli, attended the optional training session after the team arrived in Perth at 4 a.m. local time after many aircraft delays.
Only the first few minutes of their Thursday nets session showed signs of rustiness as both batters took some time to get going and get used to the conditions. According to Rohan Deshmukh of Star Sports, Rohit faced the bowlers for almost 40 minutes on Day 1 while Kohli batted for 30 minutes.
Speaking to the media on Friday, India all-rounder Axar Patel praised Rohit and Kohli, saying they appeared to be smart during 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.
Rohit and Kohli were spotted training together in a photo that went popular on social media. Rohit worked on flicks and front-foot drives against the throw-downs on Day 1 in order to improve his timing and technique.
Additionally, both players participated in fielding drills. Under the Perth sun, Rohit, who has lost 10 kg before the tour thanks to rigorous training sessions with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, moved effortlessly on the field and made a number of difficult catches.
Training became more regimented on Day 2, with hitters working in pairs. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer split a session, while Rohit batted with Shubman Gill. Throughout his practice, Rohit had to contend with both pace and spin. He played a variety of shots square of the wicket and eventually gained fluency as the nets moved. He displayed his signature pull and cut shots, seemingly determined to play square of the wicket.
On the other hand, Rohit and Gill were the first to occupy the pacers’ nets, thus Kohli started Day 2 facing spin. He began to move with more enthusiasm after switching to the pacers’ net, which also had throw-down specialists. Kohli’s footwork was particularly impressive; he played his strokes with authority and made good use of his feet to move effectively both forward and back. There was a noticeable spring in his step every time he timed the ball accurately, demonstrating both rhythm and confidence ahead of his ODI return.
Additionally, Rohit Sharma was observed engaging in a lengthy discussion with Shubman Gill, who has assumed the role of India’s ODI captain, and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Before the session started, the veteran batter talked with teammates about the pitch conditions and spent a lot of time watching the surface with Gill.
Even though he was no longer captain, Rohit participated fully in the workout and even had a thorough conversation about strategy and match preparation with the team analyst.
When the two doyens take the field on Sunday in front of a full house at Optus Stadium, all eyes will be on them. Two of India’s most renowned cricket players are nearing the end of their careers, as the world is aware. Rohit and Kohli will be concentrating on easing back into international cricket, while supporters will want to enjoy every second of watching them play.
In the run-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, the focus will be on improving the two hitters’ game and preserving match fitness, since selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has made it plain that they are not on trial.