NEW DELHI – The spotlight is firmly on Indian cricket veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with growing speculation about their potential retirement from Test cricket. Following a shocking defeat against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, India trails 2-1 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, raising concerns over the form and future of the two stalwarts.
Struggles of Rohit and Kohli
Rohit Sharma, India’s 37-year-old captain, has been underwhelming with the bat, managing just one fifty in his last 15 Test innings. Despite experimenting with a move down the batting order, his struggles persisted. Adding to the pressure, India has now lost five Test matches under his leadership this season, matching a low point last seen during Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy in the 1999-2000 season.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, despite scoring a century in the opening Test at Perth, has had a dismal season overall. The 36-year-old has endured nine single-digit scores in 17 innings, with opponents effectively exploiting his weaknesses against left-arm spin and deliveries outside the off-stump.
Media and Fan Reactions
Indian media and fans, renowned for their passionate support of the game, are beginning to question the relevance of Rohit and Kohli in the Test format. Headlines such as “Is it time to take a call on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?” from the Hindustan Times reflect the growing sentiment for change. The term “happy retirement” even trended on social media after India’s loss in Melbourne.
The Indian Express speculated whether an announcement from the duo was imminent, asking if they would give themselves “one more Test at Sydney” or step aside to let younger players take charge. Similarly, the Times of India called for a shift in leadership, warning that the two legends were “in danger of being termed liabilities.”
Implications of the Melbourne Defeat
The defeat in Melbourne not only jeopardized India’s chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also effectively ended their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time. With Australia needing only a draw in Sydney to reclaim the trophy, India’s position looks increasingly precarious.
Expert Opinions on the Future
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar added to the chorus, suggesting that another poor performance in Sydney might prompt Rohit Sharma to step away from Test cricket. Speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar emphasized the need for fresh faces in the Indian squad, particularly for the upcoming tour of England and the next WTC cycle.
“The next WTC cycle runs until 2027. It’s time to bring in new talent to build a strong foundation for the future,” Gavaskar said.
The Road Ahead
As the curtains begin to close on the illustrious Test careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the spotlight shifts to the younger generation. With the Sydney Test looming as a potential farewell stage, Indian cricket fans are left wondering whether their legendary heroes will script a final comeback or pass the baton to the next wave of talent.
