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Ravi Shastri’s Bold Verdict: Virat Kohli to Play 3-4 More Years, Rohit Sharma’s Test Future Uncertain
Ravi Shastri’s Bold Verdict: Virat Kohli to Play 3-4 More Years, Rohit Sharma’s Test Future Uncertain
The announcement of experienced Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement following the Brisbane Test match against Australia has sparked speculation about more potential retirements by iconic Indian cricket players. Following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, media outlets predicted that further retirements would take place because to rumors regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles.
Following the twin failures suffered by both senior hitters in Melbourne on Monday, the conversation became more heated. Although Rohit Sharma’s dismal run persisted, Virat Kohli’s inconsistent play cast doubt on their Test careers. In contrast, former India coach Ravi Shastri offered opposing views on their prospects when he provided analysis on Day 5 of the fourth Test.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles in Australia
India pursued 340 to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but Rohit Sharma only managed 9 runs off 40 balls, continuing his poor play. The 37-year-old captain averaged a pitiful 6.20, the lowest average ever for a visiting captain in an Australian series while scoring just 31 runs in five innings. Since September, he has struggled in Test cricket, scoring just 164 runs at an average of slightly over 10. According to Shastri, Rohit could want to think about retiring from the longest format. The footwork appears to be different at the top of the sequence. Occasionally, he is late for events. After the series, it’s his call to make,” Shastri said.
Virat Kohli’s Flickering Form
However, following a lackluster stretch in the home series against New Zealand, Virat Kohli’s century in Perth provided some optimism for a potential comeback. But his next five-inning scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 highlighted persistent irregularities. Even though Kohli has been dismissed six times in seven innings due to deliveries outside of his off-stump, Shastri thinks the former captain has a few more years of Test cricket left in him. “Virat will continue to play for three or four more years.” His batting has shown promise, so forget about how he was out,” Shastri said.
‘Even Modern-Day Bradman Faces Challenges’
Mark Nicholas, a former cricket player for England, compared Kohli to a “modern-day Bradman” who struggles against tenacious Australian spinners, highlighting his persistent problems beyond the off-stump. However, Shastri justified Kohli’s performance by highlighting Australia’s strong bowling attack.
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His patience was put to strain in Australia, and he had to leave many deliveries. Although his dismissals indicate a tendency to chase wide balls, his batting appeared to be sound overall. Shastri stated that when Mitchell Starc starts hitting the ball at 140 km/h, it becomes quite challenging. India’s progress in Test cricket still depends on Kohli and Rohit’s futures as the squad assesses its achievement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
