With India set for a high-stakes tour Down Under, the spotlight is firmly on veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both are under scrutiny following recent struggles, and the upcoming five-Test series vs Australia presents a critical test for their careers, challenging their resilience and experience.
From Glory to Grit
The journey from India’s World Cup triumph in June, where both players celebrated fulfilling their long-cherished dreams, seems a distant memory. Following their T20 retirements, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looked to the future with optimism. Yet, only a few months later, the demands of international cricket have brought new challenges. India’s prospects in the World Test Championship appear slim, and concerns around their future form loom large.
After a historic defeat against New Zealand, Rohit became the first Indian captain to suffer a Test series whitewash on home soil. For Kohli, the year has marked a career-low in red-ball cricket, with just 250 runs at an average of 22.72 from six games. As Kohli turned 36, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth remains hopeful: “The best thing about Virat is the determination and the hunger to achieve more,” he stated to TOI, reflecting optimism in Kohli’s potential to rise above this difficult period.
Virat Kohli’s Australian Legacy
Virat Kohli’s record in Australia has traditionally been formidable, beginning with his maiden Test century in Adelaide in 2011-12. His success against the short ball and superior fitness give Srikkanth confidence. “The bounce from the pitches in Australia isn’t something that should bother Virat,” he remarked, adding that he believes Kohli still has a few years left in Test cricket.
The series holds extra significance for Kohli’s fans, who wish to see his legacy in Australia continue, rather than falter, in what might be one of his final tours.
Rohit Sharma: Captain Under Pressure
Rohit’s challenges appear steeper. His recent struggles against pace in the New Zealand series exposed vulnerabilities, with pacers dismissing him four out of six times. As Srikkanth observed, “The way he was hurried on to mistime his favourite pull-shot” should concern the Indian skipper. Srikkanth, who shares a similar aggressive batting style, advised Rohit to play with more patience in Australia. “Even if you’re an attacking opener, it’s important to give yourself a little more time in the middle, especially in Australia,” he suggested.
Adding complexity to Rohit’s situation is his role as captain. A subpar performance may not only affect his personal record but could impact team morale, giving Australia an advantage. Sunil Gavaskar has proposed that if Rohit is unavailable for the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah should assume the captaincy for the entire series.
Will the Strength become a Weakness?
As Srikkanth noted, “Your strength can sometimes turn into your weakness in Australia.” Rohit’s well-known pull shot might be the very tactic the Aussies exploit. The Australians are likely to target him with short-pitched deliveries, attempting to draw him into his signature stroke early in the innings. Caution, he suggests, is key: “All Rohit needs to do is to be slightly careful.”
The Road Ahead: Keeping the Flag Flying
For both Kohli and Rohit, the tour of Australia represents a significant moment. Fans and critics alike are eager to see whether the two veterans can justify the faith placed in them and keep the Indian flag flying.
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