Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still playing for India in ODIs. Both players could not make an impression in the first game against Australia. The performance received a lot of flak from some fans and analysts, but there were others who felt that they should be given time to get back to form. Most questioned how long the duo would keep playing as both have already set some great landmarks in cricket.
Ex- Australian skipper Ricky Ponting responded to these remarks, stating that he doesn't like hearing players have "done it all." He elaborated that in sports, there is always scope for improvement and newer objectives to chase.
Ponting advised players like Virat to have shorter-term goals in mind instead of longer-term agendas like the next ODI World Cup. In his opinion, having short-term goals ensures that there is motivation and performance. Ponting further stated that Virat is a disciplined and committed player, and he expects Virat to act accordingly during the Australia series.
Ponting pointed out that one doesn't need to look as far ahead. Players can look at one series at a time. Both Virat and Rohit are among India's finest ODI players when they are going at their best, he said. But he wondered whether they will be able to sustain that level up to the next World Cup.
Ex-Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath said that talk of Virat and Rohit overshadowed the first ODI itself. He added that both the players were coming back to the ground after a long break and struggled with Perth's bouncy and fast track. India fared poorly after deciding to bat first, which impacted their performance overall.
