India’s disappointing 1-3 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked intense scrutiny over the performances of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has joined the debate, addressing Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee with a clear message about the future of these two stalwarts.
India’s Struggles and Captaincy Woes
India’s campaign was marred by controversy and inconsistent performances. While the team won the series opener in Perth, Rohit Sharma’s return for the second Test marked the beginning of a challenging phase for the visitors. Rohit managed only 31 runs in five innings, averaging a dismal 6.2, before withdrawing from the final Test in Sydney.
The Indian captain has struggled in Tests since September, scoring just 164 runs in eight innings. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, apart from a century in Perth, also faced criticism for his inconsistency, particularly against Australian pacer Scott Boland.
Manjrekar’s Take on Rohit and Kohli
Reacting to India’s poor performance, Sanjay Manjrekar took to social media to share his perspective on Rohit and Kohli’s future. On platform X, he wrote, “When to retire is up to the player, but how long to play is up to the selectors.” His statement underlined the responsibility of the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to make tough calls if required.
Manjrekar also suggested that if the selectors continue to back Rohit and Kohli, they should consider playing county cricket to regain form ahead of the Test series in England.
Rohit Sharma Addresses Criticism
Despite the mounting criticism, Rohit Sharma dismissed speculation about his retirement. Speaking during the fifth Test, he said, “I am confident things will improve. At the same time, I have to be realistic. Someone sitting with a mic, laptop, or pen may write or say things, but that doesn’t change our lives.”
Kohli and Rohit: The Road Ahead
The performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have ignited a broader discussion about India’s approach to rebuilding its Test side. As the team prepares for future challenges, including a critical series in England, the onus is on the selectors to ensure a balance between experience and form. Whether Rohit and Kohli can bounce back remains to be seen, but the pressure to deliver has never been higher.
