India’s veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in the spotlight following their inconsistent performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Both players, known for their stellar contributions to Indian cricket, have struggled with the bat, igniting discussions about their future in the longest format of the game.
During the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, neither Kohli nor Sharma managed to make a significant impact, further fueling speculations. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on their futures during a post-session discussion on Day 5, offering contrasting perspectives for the two players.
Shastri’s Take on Kohli and Rohit
“No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for three or four more years,” Shastri said while discussing Kohli’s future.
When asked about Rohit Sharma, Shastri offered a more cautious assessment: “As far as Rohit (Sharma) is concerned, it’s his call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn’t the same. He is probably, at times, a little late in meeting the ball. So it’s his call at the end of the series.”
Technical Struggles Highlighted
Shastri delved into Rohit’s technical challenges, pointing out flaws in his footwork and approach at the crease.
“Rohit Sharma, at his best, that front foot would be closer to the pitch of the ball. There’s a trigger movement and then the front foot stays planted. So the bat goes at the ball, and you are playing away from the body,” Shastri noted.
Poor Form in the Series
Rohit Sharma has endured a dismal series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20. In the Boxing Day Test, he was dismissed for nine off 40 balls while attempting an aggressive shot against Pat Cummins.
Meanwhile, Kohli has had a mixed series, managing 167 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.83, with a lone century in Perth being his standout performance.
As the BGT heads toward its conclusion, all eyes are on the future of these cricketing icons. While Shastri remains optimistic about Kohli’s longevity, his remarks on Rohit Sharma’s struggles have added a layer of intrigue to the Indian captain’s next steps.
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