Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra spoke candidly about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s early dismissals in the first One-Day International against Australia on Sunday, October 19, at Perth Stadium.
After Mitchell Marsh won the toss and offered India to bat first, Rohit and Kohli were out for 8 (14) and 0 (8), respectively. The Men in Blue lost the rain-shortened match by seven wickets (by DLS).
Rohit and Kohli played international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Chopra believes that it is natural for players to suffer when they return to international cricket after a long absence, particularly in difficult conditions such as Perth. He advised fans to be patient and give them more time to settle into their groove.
“If you walk out to play after 220 days, that too in Perth, where there is extra bounce and pace, this can happen. At times, there can be a good ball, or at times, the hands are away from the body, reminding you of the BGT. All that can happen. It’s okay, there are two more matches still to go, and these guys are not going anywhere. Don’t really jump to any conclusion. It’s just one match; Adelaide and Sydney are still left,” Chopra said in a video posted on his ‘X’ handle.
Once you learn how to ride a cycle, you don’t forget it for the rest of your life: Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator gave a cycle analogy, saying that someone who is riding the vehicle after a long time will struggle to operate it without using the handlebars. He said that Rohit and Kohli will fire on all cylinders once they get some more practice in.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli got out early. You’re wondering how this happened. Have you ridden a cycle? Once you learn how to ride a cycle, you don’t forget it for the rest of your life.”However, if you ride a cycle after five years, you won’t be able to ride it with both your hands off the handlebars, like you used to before. You will have practice again; only then will you be confident enough,” he added
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