Team India’s dismal performance in the recently concluded five-match Test series against Australia seemed to have opened Pandora’s box. The poor performance on the field has put the spotlight firmly on two of Indian cricket’s biggest stars – captain Rohit Sharma and his predecessor Virat Kohli.
Not long ago, both the veteran batsmen were the toast of the nation after playing a key role in India’s victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, they now find themselves in the firing line following the recent performances of the India in Tests.
India suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand. It was their first loss in a home series since 2012/13. This was followed by a 3-1 defeat against Australia, as India lost a series against the team from Down Under for the first time since 2014/15.
And in both the series, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to deliver. The Indian captain scored just 91 runs against New Zealand, while Kohli scored 93 runs. Against Australia, Rohit Sharma scored only 31 runs in three Tests, while Kohli scored 190 runs in 5 Tests. Of those 190 runs, Kohli scored 100 runs in an innings.
BCCI official on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli situation:
There have been calls from various quarters to drop Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the Test team and start anew. Since India failed to qualify for the WTC final, many believe that the team should now move on from its senior batsmen.
According to reports, the BCCI will have its first discussion on the matter next Sunday, in the Extraordinary General Assembly. While only time will tell how things will unfold in the coming days, a former BCCI official has advised the board’s new secretary Devajit Saikia to sort out the issue.
The official said the current situation has made the BCCI look weak and the board should send a strong message. He also said that no player is bigger than the game and subtly hinted that both Rohit and Kohli should be dropped.
“The message is going very wrong. People can be sweet pawns on the internet, but the BCCI has to run cricket in the country and should also be seen running it. Now it is necessary to give such a strong message that no player should consider it himself. bigger than the game,” the official told Dainik Jagran.
“Now a new team needs to be chosen. The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is from the BCCI and the new secretary should call him and give him a strict message,” he added.
While Rohit and Kohli’s future in the Test seems uncertain, it is more than likely that they will be part of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy next month. Both players have done well in white-ball cricket and will look to live up to the expectations in the Champions Trophy as well.
The main event is scheduled to be played starting February 19. Team India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. The two best teams from the two groups will qualify for the semifinals.