Amid growing speculations about the futures of Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, former India coach Ravi Shastri has offered contrasting assessments of their careers. These discussions gained momentum following Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent retirement announcement after the Brisbane Test and the duo’s underwhelming performances during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles
Rohit Sharma’s form in the Test series has been a point of concern. The Indian skipper managed only 31 runs in five innings during the Australia tour, averaging a mere 6.20—the worst performance by a visiting captain in a Test series in Australia. His poor returns included a single-digit score of 9 in the decisive chase of 340 runs during the fourth Test at Melbourne. This stretch added to his struggles since September, where he accumulated only 164 runs across several innings at an average just above 10.
Ravi Shastri weighed in on Rohit’s future, suggesting it might be time for the 37-year-old to consider retirement from Test cricket. “At the top of the order, the footwork seems off at times, and he’s been late in meeting the ball. It’s ultimately his call to make at the end of the series,” Shastri remarked during a discussion with broadcasters.
Virat Kohli’s Road Ahead
Unlike Rohit, Kohli has shown glimpses of brilliance, including a century in Perth earlier in the series, signaling a potential return to form. However, his recent outings haven’t been consistent, with scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in the subsequent matches. One notable concern has been his recurring vulnerability to deliveries outside the off-stump, with six of his seven dismissals in the series resulting from this weakness.
Despite this, Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to extend his Test career. “Virat will continue for some time. I believe he still has three to four years of Test cricket left in him. The way he batted in the MCG Test, apart from the dismissals, showed promise,” Shastri said, emphasizing Kohli’s resilience against Australia’s relentless bowling attack.
Kohli’s Achilles Heel
Kohli’s susceptibility to the swinging delivery outside the off stump has raised concerns. Former England cricketer Mark Nicholas likened Kohli to a modern-day Bradman but acknowledged this particular weakness. “Even Bradman would have struggled against such precision outside the off stump,” Nicholas commented during the lunch break on Day 5 of the Melbourne Test.
Shastri further elaborated on Kohli’s dismissals, highlighting his tendency to chase wide deliveries. “Australia bowled with exceptional discipline, testing his patience. He left a lot of deliveries but occasionally succumbed to the temptation of the cover drive. It’s an area he’ll need to address moving forward,” Shastri added.
Conclusion
As India’s Test team transitions into a new era, the contrasting futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma underline the challenges faced by even the greatest players. While Kohli’s journey in Test cricket seems poised to continue, Rohit may need to make a pivotal decision regarding his role in the format. With the series nearing its conclusion, Indian cricket fans will be watching closely to see how these legends shape their legacies in the years to come.
