With India reeling from a Test series whitewash to New Zealand, cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are under the spotlight as they prepare for the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia which will bein November 22.
Former India pacer Karsan Ghavri, in an exclusive interview with TimesOfIndia.com, said that their future in Test cricket could hinge on their performances in the series.
“If they don’t perform in Australia, Virat and Rohit should retire,” Ghavri said. The former left-arm seamer noted that despite their legendary status and achievements, the team needs dependable run-scorers to compete at the highest level.
Kohli and Sharma’s recent form has been lackluster, leading to questions about their consistency. Notably, this year, Virat scored just 250 runs in 12 Test innings across six matches at an average of 22.72, with just one half-century and best score of 70. Meanwhile, Rohit has amassed588 runs in 11 Tests and 21 innings this year at a average of 29.40, with two centuries and two fifties and best score of 131.
The upcoming series, where India needs a 4-0 sweep to qualify for the World Test Championship final, will not only test team resilience but could redefine the roles of India’s most celebrated cricketers.
Ghavri acknowledged their past contributions but stressed the necessity of substantial runs to build towards India’s future. “They need to score big. If they don’t perform, it’s time for them to call a time on their Test careers... They have done a lot for Indian cricket, but the team needs runs to win. We need to build a team for the future. How long will we keep players who aren’t performing?” he added.
The challenges extend beyond the two star batsmen. India’s struggle to post competitive totals and secure partnerships has added to the team’s worries, especially against formidable opponents like Australia.
Ghavri highlighted India’s reliance on senior players to occupy the crease and deliver impactful innings.
“If they perform, keep them; if not, why select them? If players are selected without performance, then bring in Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aren’t scoring runs, then who will score? In a country like Australia, you need experienced players who can occupy the crease, stay longer, and put up big scores. To beat Australia in Australia, you need big totals on the board.” he said.
(With inputs from TOI)
Former India pacer Karsan Ghavri, in an exclusive interview with TimesOfIndia.com, said that their future in Test cricket could hinge on their performances in the series.
“If they don’t perform in Australia, Virat and Rohit should retire,” Ghavri said. The former left-arm seamer noted that despite their legendary status and achievements, the team needs dependable run-scorers to compete at the highest level.
Kohli and Sharma’s recent form has been lackluster, leading to questions about their consistency. Notably, this year, Virat scored just 250 runs in 12 Test innings across six matches at an average of 22.72, with just one half-century and best score of 70. Meanwhile, Rohit has amassed588 runs in 11 Tests and 21 innings this year at a average of 29.40, with two centuries and two fifties and best score of 131.
The upcoming series, where India needs a 4-0 sweep to qualify for the World Test Championship final, will not only test team resilience but could redefine the roles of India’s most celebrated cricketers.
Ghavri acknowledged their past contributions but stressed the necessity of substantial runs to build towards India’s future. “They need to score big. If they don’t perform, it’s time for them to call a time on their Test careers... They have done a lot for Indian cricket, but the team needs runs to win. We need to build a team for the future. How long will we keep players who aren’t performing?” he added.
The challenges extend beyond the two star batsmen. India’s struggle to post competitive totals and secure partnerships has added to the team’s worries, especially against formidable opponents like Australia.
Ghavri highlighted India’s reliance on senior players to occupy the crease and deliver impactful innings.
“If they perform, keep them; if not, why select them? If players are selected without performance, then bring in Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aren’t scoring runs, then who will score? In a country like Australia, you need experienced players who can occupy the crease, stay longer, and put up big scores. To beat Australia in Australia, you need big totals on the board.” he said.
(With inputs from TOI)
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