Leg and Off: Should India move on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Tests after BGT 2024-25?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are undoubtedly two of the greatest players to have ever graced the game of cricket. For years, they've been key figures for India, guiding the team to numerous victories. The duo also won the 2024 T20 World Cup, and bid farewell to the shortest format of the game on a high.
However, both players have struggled to meet expectations in Test cricket recently, with their performances in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy not being up to par. While they have had legendary careers, the evolution of the game demands that teams adapt.
This has led many fans and experts to question whether it’s time for India to move on from these iconic figures in Test cricket after this series. In this context, we’ll examine their performances, the challenges they face, and whether India should consider looking beyond them in the longest format of the game.
With the new World Test Championship beginning next year, it might be the right time to move on from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Earlier this year, India played a five-match Test series against England at home, where Rohit Sharma had a solid outing, scoring 400 runs in nine innings, including two centuries. However, his form dropped significantly in the following series against New Zealand and Bangladesh, where he could only manage 133 runs in 10 innings, causing his average to fall from 45.46 to 42.28.
Rohit missed the first match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be with his family after the birth of his son on November 15, 2024. In his absence, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal formed a 201-run partnership in the second innings, the highest ever by an Indian opening pair in Australia.
Upon returning for the second Test, Rohit had to forgo his opening slot due to Rahul’s strong form. Since then, batting in the middle order, Rohit has managed only 19 runs in three innings, bringing his total to just 152 runs in his last 13 innings.
With Rahul now favored to open alongside Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan waiting for a chance in the middle order, failure to perform in the next two matches could signal the end of Rohit's Test career.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli had an outstanding Test career until early 2020, amassing 7,202 runs in 84 matches at an average of 54.98, including 27 centuries. However, his form began to decline after 2020, when he managed only 116 runs in three matches. In 2021, his struggles continued with just 536 runs in 11 matches at an average of 28.21. The dip persisted in 2022, with only 265 runs in six games.
But in 2023, Kohli found a resurgence, scoring 671 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.91. Unfortunately, 2024 has seen another decline, with Kohli managing just 376 runs in nine matches. His Test average has also dropped to 47.49, and he has scored only three centuries in the last five years.
Kohli's struggles have continued in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His technical flaws, particularly his tendency to play at deliveries outside the off-stump, have been exploited by Australia’s fast bowlers. While he remains a fierce competitor, his struggles are raising questions about his future in the team.
Also, the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series is the final assignment for India in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and it remains uncertain whether India will qualify for the final. With the new WTC cycle beginning next year, and considering the form of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India may be tempted to bring in fresh talent.
The outcome of the remaining two matches in the 2024-25 BGT, along with the performances of these veteran players, will be crucial in determining their future with the Indian Test team.
India needs the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the team goes through a transition
Rohit Sharma's form may have dipped recently, but he remains an essential part of the Indian team. The 37-year-old is the leading run-scorer for India in the (2019-2024) ICC World Test Championship, with 2,704 runs in 39 matches, including eight fifties and nine centuries.
While his recent performances have been inconsistent, his leadership over the past few years has been vital. Beyond his runs, Rohit's ability to provide stability at the top of the order is invaluable. Moving on from him, especially during a phase of transition, could disrupt the team’s balance and leadership structure.
As captain, Rohit has demonstrated maturity, tactical insight, and the ability to inspire his team to success. Even if his individual form isn't always at its peak, his experience as a senior batter and leader remains crucial in shaping the future of the team.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket extends well beyond his batting. Kohli’s technical issues are well known, but his ability to fight through difficult phases has led to some of his best cricket in the past.
He has always been a fierce competitor, consistently rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Even when runs aren't coming, his ability to push through tough times makes him a go-to player for the team.
At 36, Kohli still plays a crucial role in the leadership group. His passion and energy on the field are unmatched, and his presence in the dressing room serves as a stabilizing influence for younger players.
While change is inevitable over time, it may not be necessary to make it right after the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still have a lot to offer Indian Test cricket, and it would be prudent to give them the time and space to regain their form before making any significant decisions.