R Ashwin’s Advice to Kohli, Rohit After Perth ODI: ‘Prepare Better’

"For their good, I think they can focus a bit more on preparation, especially in terms of playing games before going on tours, but that is not entirely in the hands of players," he said.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be better prepared before taking on difficult jobs at this point in their careers, according to former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. The first ODI between the experienced pair and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19 was a difficult start to their international comeback.

Kohli and Rohit should focus more on their preparation before bilateral series if they want to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin said.

Additionally, he suggested that the two and other players who aren’t playing international cricket may get to tours early in order to get used to the surroundings and get ready. Rohit made eight runs in their first match since the 2025 Indian Premier League, while Kohli was removed for a duck.

“For their benefit, I believe they should put a little more effort into getting ready, particularly when it comes to playing games before trips, but the team management must organize that. Given that there are still a few games to go, it is premature to discuss Virat and Rohit. My main concern for them is whether they will be able to play more games. According to Ashwin’s YouTube account.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not have an easy time. Given how little cricket they have played lately, I sincerely hope they find some sort of groove. Planning is essential before embarking on an international journey. We have frequently taken trips abroad ten to fifteen days prior to the start of the series, traveling in two or three groups, so that is certainly feasible,” he continued.

Although the right-arm spinner praised the veterans’ efforts to stay healthy, he emphasized that consistent game time is the only way to enhance reflexes and hand-eye coordination. On Thursday, October 23, at Adelaide Oval, Kohli and Rohit are anticipated to make their comeback to play in the series’ second ODI.

“Yes, keeping fitness is an extremely crucial aspect, as I saw in Virat’s interview. But it’s impossible to overlook hand-eye coordination, which is crucial for batting. Given your familiarity with Virat, he must have worked on that, but you need to be at the top of your game, particularly as you age and play only one format. “It was nice to see Rohit looking so fit,” Ashwin said in closing.