The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces mounting pressure to address the uncertain future of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following India’s disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss. With six defeats in their last eight matches, the spotlight is now on rebuilding the team.
Devajit Saikia, BCCI’s newly appointed secretary, has been urged to deliver a “strict message” to chief selector Ajit Agarkar to resolve the Kohli-Rohit conundrum. A former BCCI official emphasized the need for decisive action, subtly hinting at the possibility of dropping both players from the Test squad to send a clear signal that no individual is above the game.
“The board needs to assert its authority. It’s time to choose a new team and convey a strong message that no player, however iconic, is bigger than cricket,” the official told Dainik Jagran.
Kohli and Rohit entered the Australia series under intense scrutiny. While Kohli displayed glimpses of form with a century in Perth, he managed only 90 runs across the remaining innings. Rohit, on the other hand, had a dismal run, scoring just 31 runs in five innings on tour, averaging 6.2. The Indian captain later opted out of the Sydney decider, raising eyebrows about his intent and fitness.
With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching and India required to finalize their provisional squad by January 12, Saikia’s leadership will be tested. Critics argue that the ongoing speculation surrounding Rohit and Kohli is tarnishing the board’s credibility, making it imperative to chart a new course for Indian cricket.
India’s next Test challenge comes in June during their England tour. Until then, the focus remains on preparing a refreshed team for white-ball competitions while addressing the challenges of transition in the Test format.
Stay updated with Channel 6 Network for all the latest developments in Indian cricket.
