Rohit managed to score only eight runs while Kohli bagged a duck in the first ODI.
Indian batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, failed to leave a mark on their much-hyped return to international cricket after seven months on Sunday (October 19).
Featuring in the first ODI against Australia at Perth, Rohit was dismissed for only 8 runs while Kohli bagged his first duck in the 50-over format Down Under.
Reflecting on their failures, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggested that Rohit and Kohli's lack of match practice was exposed in the series opener.
Pathan highlighted the importance of following proper preparation processes, citing Rishabh Pant's approach to regaining match fitness as an example of the correct procedure.
Notably, Pant will lead India A against South Africa A in a couple of four-day matches before returning to international post toe fracture rehab.
On the other hand, Rohit and Kohli have become one-format players after retiring from T20Is and Tests. The veteran duo was out of competitive action since the end of IPL 2025 while their last international appearance before the Australia tour was the Champions Trophy final on March 9.
"You have to do the things that are needed, you have to complete the processes, you have to play matches. In this regard, they have fallen behind. If they had played some matches before coming, and shown some form, the team management might have thought seven batters are enough, and we can include Kuldeep Yadav. But now, since the team is unsure of the form of three players, it is not happening," Pathan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
"It is not like they (Virat, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer) did not have a lot of options to play cricket during the break. I believe that no matter how big a player you are, when it comes to Indian cricket, you have to make sure that you return after following the proper process. We have seen both Rohit and Virat work hard, but match fitness and normal fitness are two different things. For example, Rishabh Pant, coming after injury, will play for India 'A' against South Africa 'A'," he added.
"Pant, who is a match-winner in Tests, if he wants, can say that he is fit, I am fine, I will play the Tests against South Africa straightaway. But, no. It does not happen like that, and that is why he will be playing for India 'A', and that is how exactly it should happen," Pathan concluded.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be keen to turn things around in the second ODI of the three-match series, scheduled for Thursday (October 23) at the Adelaide Oval.