India's senior duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not get back into the groove straightaway on their return to international cricket. After a long lay-off, they struggled on the bouncy track of Perth and returned to the pavilion early. As Rohit and Kohli play only one format now, there have been questions raised over lack of game time and preparation. But, ahead of the second ODI at Adelaide Oval, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak isn't worried. Kotak feels that their preparation was good but the conditions in Perth were such that even Australian batters would've struggled had they batted first.
“I don’t think so,” Kotak told the reporters. “They played the IPL. The preparation has been very good. I think it was the weather. It would have been the same if Australia had come out to bat. It is not easy when there are four or five interruptions and every two overs you are going in and coming back out.”
Kotak doesn't want people to judge them too early. He said that they monitored their practice videos prior to the tournament and found that they have been doing the right things. He was happy with how they batted in the nets ahead of the second ODI.
“Both of them are very experienced. Before coming to Australia, they had proper preparation. I think it’s too early to judge them. They just retired from Test cricket. Coming into the series, we were aware of their fitness levels and the preparation work they had been doing. We had access to their videos from the NCA. With such senior players, you do not need to step in right away if you see they are doing the right things. If you try to get involved too much, that might not be the best approach,” Kotak said.
“Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. They batted well in the nets yesterday. I believe they’re doing well, to be honest,” he added.
Kohli, Rohit’s record at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli. From four innings, he has scored 244 runs at an average of 61, including two centuries. Rohit hasn't had much success in Adelaide, scoring 131 runs from six innings at an average of 21.83.
India vs Australia head-to-head in Adelaide
India have played six ODIs in Adelaide and lost four of them. However, on last two occasions, they have registered wins. Their last clash at the venue was in 2019. Kohli scored 104 in the run chase if 299 as visitors won by six wickets with four balls remaining.