Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has shared advice for Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, encouraging them to draw from Sachin Tendulkar’s example of adapting as they seek to recapture their peak form. Following India’s recent Test series loss to New Zealand, where Kohli and Rohit struggled to contribute runs, Chappell believes the two veteran batters can benefit from adjusting their approach, especially with the demanding five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia just around the corner.
Kohli, who scored just 93 runs across six innings in the New Zealand series, has long been known for his intensity and aggression. Chappell notes that Kohli’s path back to form may lie in balancing his attacking mindset with greater patience. He recalls Kohli’s outstanding performance in the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, where Kohli scored four centuries, proving his ability to excel on Australian pitches. As Kohli readies himself for a return to the Test arena, Chappell believes he will be driven to reestablish himself as one of India’s premier batsmen.
Rohit, meanwhile, has faced scrutiny for overly aggressive shot selection early in his innings, a factor that may have contributed to his struggles. Chappell suggests that as both captain and key batsman, Rohit needs to strike a balance between maintaining his own form and managing his leadership responsibilities. For Rohit, who finished with just 91 runs in the recent Test series, the challenge will be mastering this dual role in a way that benefits both his personal game and the team’s success.
Chappell reflects on his previous interactions with Tendulkar, especially during times when Tendulkar had to adapt his technique and mindset as he aged. He recalls how he once explained to Tendulkar that batting demands shift with age, with mental focus becoming increasingly challenging to sustain. “It’s not the reflexes that fade, but the ability to maintain that intense focus needed to succeed,” Chappell shared in a recent column. He encouraged Tendulkar to keep his mindset youthful, to focus solely on the ball and scoring opportunities, which ultimately allowed the legendary batsman to stay effective even in his later years.
Chappell’s advice underlines that, as cricketers age, they need to continuously adjust, focusing on their strengths while countering opponents who have studied their weaknesses. He hopes Kohli, Rohit, and even Australia’s Steve Smith will approach the series with this perspective, as each player contends not only with rival bowlers but also with the challenges that come with time. For Kohli and Rohit, a successful adaptation in Australia could be crucial to preserving their legacies as two of the modern game’s most celebrated players.
