Perth Warning: Star Trio Expose ODI Flaws
The first ODI between India and Australia in Perth delivered more than just a thrilling contest—it served as a stark reality check for India’s top-order batting. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer combined for a meager 19 runs, raising urgent questions about their readiness for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
ODI Form Under the Microscope
With the 2027 World Cup just two years away, India’s reliance on its veteran core is being tested like never before. The Perth collapse wasn’t just about a bad day at the office—it highlighted deeper issues tied to limited match practice and prolonged absences from the 50-over format.
- Rohit Sharma: Scored 4 before edging behind off Pat Cummins.
- Virat Kohli: Fell for a duck, caught at mid-off attempting a lofted drive.
- Shreyas Iyer: Managed only 15 before being trapped LBW by Adam Zampa.
Why This ODI Collapse Matters
These aren’t just numbers—they’re signals. All three batters have played minimal ODI cricket over the past 12 months:
| Player | ODIs in Last 12 Months | Last ODI Before Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 3 | July 2024 vs England |
| Virat Kohli | 2 | November 2024 vs South Africa |
| Shreyas Iyer | 5 | March 2025 vs Bangladesh |
Technical Gaps Exposed
Analysts noted recurring technical flaws during the Perth innings:
- Footwork hesitation against quality pace early on.
- Poor shot selection in the first 10 overs.
- Lack of rhythm in rotating strike under pressure.
“You can’t simulate match intensity in the nets,” said former India selector Abey Kuruvilla. “When players skip formats for long stretches, those micro-habits—trigger movements, head position, balance—start to erode.”
What This Means for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup Plans
The BCCI’s current roadmap leans heavily on experience, but the Perth performance suggests a recalibration may be needed. With rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajat Patidar showing consistency in white-ball cricket, selectors face a tough call: stick with legacy names or accelerate youth integration?
Crucially, South Africa’s conditions in 2027—bouncy pitches, sharp swing, and high-altitude grounds—will demand peak technical readiness. Can India’s top order adapt in time?
Path Forward: Practice, Patience, or Pivot?
Three options emerge:
- Reintegrate veterans into ODI squads consistently over the next 18 months.
- Run specialized ODI camps focused on technical drills and match simulations.
- Test younger batters in high-stakes bilateral series to build depth.
Sources
Times of India – Perth Warning: Star Trio Show Cracks Ahead of 2027 ODI Plans