Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has given verdicts on the test future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after Ashwin’s retirement announcement amid the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Earlier some reports hinted that there would be more retirement during or after the end of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. It soon sparked rumours that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been struggling in the ongoing format.
The speculations peaked after both failed once again in the fourth test where the side suffered an 184-run defeat. But former India coach Ravi Shastri has given a contrasting verdict on the senior batter.
Rohit’s dip has been evident on the Australia tour which was confirmed as the Indian captain was dismissed for 9 runs in India’s chase of 340 runs. The 37-year-old amassed 31 runs in five innings, with an average of just 6.20 which is the lowest for a visiting skipper in a series in Australia.
Australia is within touching distance of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a memorable victory at the MCG. #AUSvIND https://t.co/Ic62eO1OW5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024
Meanwhile Kohli, did ramp up a century in Perth which hopes of a comeback after a lean patch in the home series against New Zealand in early November. However, the 36-year old managed scores of 7, 11, 3, 36 and 6 in the subsequent five innings.
“I think Virat will play for some time. Forget the way he got out, or whatever. I think he’ll play for another three or four years.”
“As far as Rohit is concerned, it’s a call. At the top of the order, you know, just feel the footwork isn’t the same. He’s probably at times, late in meeting the ball so it’s his call at the end of the series,” Shastri said.
The concern on Virat Kohli‘s form has been his vulnerability against the outside off stump. He has been dismissed six of the seven times against the variety in the ongoing series.
“Seems like he’s the modern Bradman, but even he has trouble with his line just outside of stump,” said former England cricketer Mark Nicholas.
Ravi Shastri added that, “Australia have been relentless. They pegged away there. They tested his patience. You know, he left a lot of balls. I still believe the way he’s batted in this Test match, apart from the dismissals, he’s looked good.”
“The time will come but I mean the bowling was extremely good and it’s start swinging the ball in. Once Starc starts swinging it into the right handers at 140ks, then it, then it becomes difficult.”
“But you can see the mode of dismissals pretty much the same. The temptation is there outside the off stump to go for the moving cover drive. You know, he, he couldn’t resist. And that’s something, you know, you’ll have to think about in the future.”
India is currently in the third position of the WTC points table and will play the final test of the BGT 2024-25 beginning on Janaury 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
