Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to consider participating in domestic cricket to regain form and confidence. The duo faced heavy criticism for their underwhelming performances in India’s recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat, where their batting struggles were a significant factor in the team’s inability to post competitive totals.
Struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Rohit Sharma managed just 31 runs in five innings, while Virat Kohli scored 190 runs across nine innings, despite a century in the opening match in Perth. Rohit’s inconsistent form led him to step aside for the series decider in Sydney, handing the captaincy to Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Kohli’s recurring dismissals chasing wide deliveries highlighted technical flaws.
Shastri’s Call for Domestic Cricket
Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri stressed the importance of domestic cricket for players to stay connected with the game at its grassroots level. “If there’s an opportunity, I think they should play domestic cricket. It’s vital for two reasons: staying in touch with the current generation and sharing their experience to guide younger players,” he said.
Shastri also pointed out that domestic cricket offers more opportunities to face quality spin bowling, a critical area where Indian batters have struggled recently. “On turning tracks, opposition spinners have consistently troubled Indian batters. Playing domestic cricket can help address these issues,” he added.
The upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy, beginning on January 23, presents a potential opportunity for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to represent Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.
Hunger and Desire Key to Comeback
Shastri emphasized that the decision ultimately depends on the duo’s hunger and desire to continue at the highest level. “When you’re in your 30s—Rohit is 36, Kohli is 38—you know how driven you are to contribute. It’s a personal choice based on their ambition and passion for the game,” Shastri said.
Grooming the Next Generation
Shastri believes Kohli still has a significant role to play in Indian cricket, especially in mentoring young talent. He highlighted promising players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Nitish Reddy, and Rishabh Pant, who could benefit greatly from Kohli’s experience.
“This team is in a transition phase, and youngsters are coming through the ranks. A player of Kohli’s caliber can play a crucial role in their development,” Shastri concluded.
India’s Recent Struggles
India’s recent losses, including a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat, have exposed weaknesses in the team’s approach. For the first time, India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, signaling the need for introspection and strategic adjustments.
The cricketing world will now wait to see if Kohli and Rohit embrace Shastri’s suggestion and make a return to domestic cricket to rebuild their form and confidence.
