The Indian cricket team’s struggles in the ongoing Test series against Australia have reignited questions about the form and future of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Former cricketer Surinder Khanna has made headlines with his bold remarks, suggesting that the duo should consider stepping aside if their performances don’t improve. Khanna’s comments come after India’s 184-run defeat in Melbourne, which saw the visitors trail 2-1 in the five-match series.
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Khanna Questions Kohli and Rohit’s Form
Khanna criticized Kohli and Rohit for their lack of impact in recent games, pointing out their dismal performances over the last 40-45 innings. “If selectors don’t act, they should step down themselves,” he said in an interview with ANI. “The form they’re in, even a part-time bowler could dismiss them.”
Rohit’s poor form has been particularly concerning. In the Melbourne Test, the Indian skipper mustered just 9 runs from 40 deliveries before edging a Pat Cummins delivery to Mitchell Marsh. His cautious approach offered little payoff and left the team in dire straits. Meanwhile, Kohli, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled for consistency. He was dismissed for 22 after being lured into a drive by Mitchell Starc, leaving fans and experts questioning his discipline.
Is It Time for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Retire? Ex-India Star’s Bold Take Sparks.Statistical Decline
The numbers paint a grim picture for both players:
- Virat Kohli: In nine Tests this year, he has scored 376 runs at an average of 25.06, with just one century and one fifty in 17 innings. Since 2020, Kohli’s average in Tests has dipped to 31.67 across 64 innings.
- Rohit Sharma: His recent outings have been even worse, with just 31 runs from five innings at an average of 6.20. His struggles date back to the Bangladesh series, where he averaged a mere 10.50 across two Tests.
The Need for Tough Decisions
Khanna emphasized the importance of making hard choices for the team’s future. “If India wants to win, harsh decisions are needed,” he said, urging selectors to prioritize in-form youngsters over out-of-form veterans. He praised the team’s performance under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership in the first Test, contrasting it with their struggles since Rohit’s return.
A Decade of Decline for Kohli
The 2020s have been a challenging period for Kohli in Test cricket. In 37 matches, he has averaged 31.67, scoring only three centuries. While he has shown occasional brilliance, such as his unbeaten 100 in Perth, consistency remains elusive.
What Lies Ahead?
India now faces a must-win situation in the final Test in Sydney to keep their hopes alive in the World Test Championship. With Kohli and Rohit underperforming, the selectors might need to make bold calls, including bringing in younger players who have shown promise.
As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: the Indian team needs its senior players to either rediscover their form or make way for the next generation. The Sydney Test could be a defining moment for both Kohli and Rohit, not just in this series but in their illustrious careers.