India suffered a seven-wicket defeat in Perth, but Ponting believes the two veteran players will quickly regain form and continue to contribute significantly to the team’s success.

The series, which is part of India’s international cricket calendar leading up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, moves to Adelaide on Thursday before concluding in Sydney on Saturday.

While Kohli and Rohit did not have their best outings in Perth — Rohit was dismissed for 8, edging Josh Hazlewood to second slip, and Kohli was caught for a duck off Mitchell Starc — Ponting emphasized that these small setbacks should not overshadow their legacy and talent.

“You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and while I’ve said before that Virat’s the best 50-over player I’ve ever seen, you don’t write them off,” Ponting said on the ICC Review podcast.

He added that both players are likely to make a strong comeback in Adelaide, a venue he described as ideal for batting and a rewarding place to play cricket.

Kohli and Rohit now play exclusively in the 50-over format, having retired from other formats of the game. Their return to competitive cricket on Sunday was their first since winning the Champions Trophy in March, marking a new chapter as they focus on preparation for the next World Cup.

Despite the initial hiccup, the duo’s experience, skill, and mental toughness are expected to shine through in the upcoming matches.

Ravi Shastri, who coached both players during their peak years, echoed Ponting’s optimism, highlighting the respect and admiration both Kohli and Rohit command in India and globally.

Shastri noted that the players would not jeopardize their legacy, even while pushing themselves to deliver strong performances. “The contribution is over a decade, decade and a half in the case of Virat. It’s special.

Whether they finish tomorrow or the day after or whenever, that legacy will remain,” he said.

Analysts point out that both players bring tactical acumen, match-winning ability, and leadership qualities to the team, even when they are not scoring big runs.

Their presence strengthens India’s batting lineup, providing stability and confidence to younger teammates, who can look up to them for guidance in high-pressure situations.

Adelaide offers a promising opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to find their rhythm. Known for its batting-friendly conditions and sporting pitch, the venue is expected to allow both players to play freely, showcase their strengths, and contribute to India’s performance in the series.

Fans are also eager to see them back in form, as both cricketers continue to inspire the next generation of players with their technique, temperament, and commitment.

Despite the loss in Perth, India’s team remains strong overall, with a deep batting lineup, versatile bowlers, and a balanced mix of youth and experience.

The upcoming matches against Australia are an opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to reaffirm their status as match-winners, and for the team to gain momentum in preparation for future tournaments.

Ponting concluded by expressing confidence in the players’ ability to bounce back quickly. “They’ll find a way to contribute and win games for their team, and if they do that, they’ll most likely be in that World Cup team in 2027.

I’d expect to see both those guys bounce back into it pretty quickly,” he said. His comments underline the resilience, dedication, and enduring class of two of India’s greatest limited-overs cricketers.

With Adelaide and Sydney ahead, fans and teammates alike can expect exciting cricket and memorable performances from Kohli and Rohit, reinforcing why they are regarded among the finest batsmen in the history of Indian cricket.

Although the young opener narrowly missed a double century, his classy innings reflected maturity, focus, and determination — a testament to India’s growing bench strength and consistency in red-ball cricket.

Jaiswal, who has been in sublime form throughout the series, once again proved why he is considered one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket. His 175-run masterpiece at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was filled with elegant cover drives, crisp cuts, and well-timed boundaries — a mix of composure and aggression that kept the West Indies bowlers under constant pressure.

The left-hander looked nearly invincible at the crease, and though his dismissal came due to an unfortunate mix-up with skipper Shubman Gill, his contribution had already set India on course for a massive first-innings total.

The partnership between Jaiswal and Gill was central to India’s dominance. Gill, calm and composed, remained unbeaten on 75 at lunch, showcasing fine temperament and shot selection. His footwork against spin and timing off the back foot hinted at a player rediscovering his rhythm in the longest format.

The pair added crucial runs for the third wicket, keeping the scoreboard ticking and frustrating the West Indies bowlers who struggled to find any consistent breakthroughs.

While the run-out was a heartbreaking moment for Jaiswal and fans alike, it also reflected the healthy communication and energy within the Indian camp. The mix-up was merely a rare blip in an otherwise flawless batting display. Jaiswal’s innings, decorated with 22 elegant fours, stood as a hallmark of patience blended with controlled aggression — an innings that will be remembered for its technical brilliance rather than its premature end.

After Jaiswal’s departure, young Dhruv Jurel joined Gill in the middle. Jurel, known for his cool temperament and neat technique, looked solid at the crease, remaining unbeaten on seven at the break. His role in supporting Gill and rotating the strike was crucial in maintaining India’s momentum.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was promoted to number five, injected life into the innings with his aggressive approach. He capitalized on loose deliveries, striking a couple of big sixes and maintaining a brisk scoring rate before being dismissed for a lively 43 runs.

India’s commanding total of 427-4 by lunch further underlined their control over the match. The West Indies bowlers — despite showing flashes of discipline — found it difficult to contain the fluent Indian batting order.

Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, and Anderson Phillip tried to apply pressure, but India’s depth and balance ensured steady progress. Phillip’s dropped catch of Reddy at mid-off only added to the visitors’ frustration, as India continued to pile up runs with ease.

India’s first-Test victory in Ahmedabad within three days already showcased their dominance, and now, with a strong position in the second Test, they are eyeing a 2-0 series sweep.

The team’s blend of youth and experience — represented by players like Jaiswal, Gill, and Jurel — reflects the depth of Indian cricket’s new generation. Their ability to adapt across conditions and formats continues to make India a formidable side at home and abroad.

As play resumes, all eyes will be on Gill to convert his solid start into a big score and further strengthen India’s grip on the match. With the middle order yet to come and the pitch still offering plenty for batters, India looks poised for a mammoth total that could put the game beyond the West Indies’ reach.

The morning session might have seen a momentary setback in Jaiswal’s run-out, but the broader picture remains one of dominance, confidence, and collective excellence. With both bat and ball, India’s approach in this series reflects a team in complete control — a side that continues to grow stronger with every outing, turning every challenge into an opportunity for brilliance.