The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly under pressure to address the ongoing dilemma surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their underwhelming performances on the recent tour of Australia. The two senior cricketers, long regarded as stalwarts of Indian cricket, came under fire from former players Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed frustration over the “superstar culture” in Indian cricket. They also pointed out the players’ lack of commitment to domestic cricket, which contributed to their struggles on the international stage.
Kohli’s performance during the tour was especially disappointing, with the former captain managing just 190 runs at an average of 23.75 over eight innings. His vulnerability against deliveries outside the off stump was evident once again, as he was dismissed seven times out of eight matches by such deliveries, including four times by Australia’s Scott Boland. Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, also had a tough time, scoring a meager 31 runs in five innings, marking the worst-ever average by an Indian touring captain in Australia. Additionally, he “opted out” of the fifth Test.
With both players’ performances raising questions about their future in Test cricket, the selectors’ upcoming decisions are crucial. While there has been speculation about their retirements, a report in Dainik Jagran revealed that Kohli and Rohit are unlikely to retire on their own. The BCCI is aware of the situation, but officials have made it clear that they cannot force these players into retirement. Instead, the task now falls to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to make a decision that aligns with the team’s long-term goals.
Recent discussions have centered around Kohli’s ongoing struggles, particularly his inability to handle deliveries outside the off stump, which has become a major concern. BCCI officials are carefully weighing the impact of these issues as they plan for the future of Indian Test cricket.
