India’s disappointing 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked widespread criticism, with former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar delivering a strong message to Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee regarding the future of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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India’s Struggles and Rohit’s Poor Form
The fifth and final Test in Sydney highlighted India’s struggles, particularly with captain Rohit Sharma’s performance. After missing the first Test due to paternity leave, Rohit managed only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20 in the series. Calls for his retirement or exclusion from the Test team have grown louder.
Similarly, Virat Kohli, despite a century in Perth, failed to make a significant impact in the series, often succumbing to Scott Boland’s bowling.
Manjrekar’s Stance
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Manjrekar said, “When to retire, is up to the player but how long to play, is up to the selectors.”
This remark underscores his belief that the selectors must take a firm stance on whether to continue backing underperforming players like Rohit and Kohli.
Manjrekar’s Sharp Message to Selectors on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Future
Future.
County Cricket to Regain Form
Manjrekar also suggested that if the selectors choose to retain the duo, they should play county cricket to regain form ahead of India’s Test series in England.
Rohit’s Response to Critics
Amid the mounting criticism, Rohit Sharma addressed the issue publicly during the fifth Test. Speaking to Star Sports, he said, “I am confident things will change. At the same time, I have to be realistic. Someone sitting with a mic, laptop, or pen writing stuff doesn’t change our lives.”
Key Controversies During the Series
The series was rife with controversies, including:
Virat Kohli’s airport meltdown with Australian reporters.
Kohli’s on-field shoulder bump incident with Sam Konstas.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s immediate retirement announcement after being dropped for the third Test.
The Selectors’ Dilemma
Manjrekar’s comments put the spotlight on Ajit Agarkar and his selection panel. They must decide whether to back the senior players or prioritize grooming younger talent to build a stronger future team.
As India gears up for the next phase of international cricket, the decisions made now could shape the team’s success in upcoming series and tournaments.
