In the wake of India’s disappointing 0-3 defeat to New Zealand at home, the future of several senior players hangs in the balance as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to evaluate its options. With a five-match Test series against Australia on the horizon, there is growing speculation that this series may mark the end of the international careers for at least two of the senior quartet comprising Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Upcoming Team India Australian tour
As the team gears up for the Australian tour, which begins on November 10, Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, emphasised the importance of focusing solely on the upcoming series. “Look, I don’t think we can look that far ahead. It’s important to focus on the next series, which is Australia,” he stated when questioned about the team’s future in Tests. His commitment to concentrating on the immediate challenge reflects the urgency of the situation, especially following the home debacle against New Zealand.
Informal discussions regarding the team’s future are expected among BCCI officials, including chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit. While the series against Australia looms large, it is clear that the BCCI is contemplating a structured phase-out policy for its ageing players. A senior BCCI source commented on the potential outcomes, noting, “If India doesn’t qualify for the WTC final in England, one can be rest assured that all four super seniors won’t be on that flight to the UK for the ensuing five-Test series.” This indicates a significant transition on the horizon for Indian cricket.
BCCI on the Brink
Historically, the BCCI is cautious about falling into the pitfalls of previous cycles, such as the abrupt decline seen in 2011, when the senior team faltered without warning. Hence, the upcoming discussions will likely aim to prevent a similar situation, with selectors keen to engage in dialogue with senior players about their future roles within the squad.
For India to secure a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, a 4-0 victory in Australia is essential, which currently appears to be a daunting task. Although qualification is still feasible if India falls short, the series against Australia will be crucial in determining the future landscape of Indian Test cricket. If the team does not qualify, the focus will shift to the next WTC cycle, commencing with a five-Test series in England beginning June 20, 2025. This scenario would compel selectors to explore long-term prospects and potentially usher in new talents like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, who are seen as ready for the international stage.
Will This Be the Last Test for Rohit, Virat, Ashwin?
Among the senior players, Ravichandran Ashwin’s future appears uncertain, particularly with emerging talent like Washington Sundar showcasing promise for the next decade. While Ravindra Jadeja may be retained due to his fitness and utility on foreign pitches, Axar Patel is seen as a strong contender for domestic conditions.
In terms of batting, Rohit Sharma’s recent form has raised eyebrows; he has accumulated 1,210 runs at home with an average of 37.81 since February 2021, but his recent performances have been lackluster, with several low scores. Virat Kohli, despite being a fitness model, has struggled too, averaging 30.91 in his last 25 innings with just one century to his name.
Looking ahead, while Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed as vice-captain, concerns regarding his workload may hinder his long-term viability in leadership roles. Candidates such as Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant appear better suited for the Test captaincy moving forward.
The stakes are high as India prepares for its crucial tour down under, and the decisions made in the aftermath of the Australian series could significantly reshape the future of Indian cricket, especially concerning its ageing stars. The time for reflection and potential reinvention is at hand, as the BCCI seeks to build a resilient team capable of thriving in the demanding landscape of international cricket.
(With agency inputs)