India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been overshadowed not only by on-field struggles but also by growing speculation about the Test futures of senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With India bowled out for a modest 185 on Day 1 of the final Test at the SCG, questions about the duo’s careers have reached a fever pitch.
Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to bat first on a green pitch under overcast skies added to the pressure on an already fragile batting lineup. Openers KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) fell cheaply, while Kohli’s (17) and Rohit’s absence from the playing XI amplified concerns over their waning Test careers.
Rohit Sharma: A Career in Decline?
Rohit’s lean patch, marked by an average of 6.20 and just 31 runs in his last five innings, has fuelled rumours about his potential retirement from Test cricket. His exclusion from the final Test XI has only strengthened these claims, with sources hinting he may step away from the longest format after the series. Rohit’s average of 28.80 in the current World Test Championship cycle is significantly lower than his career average of 40.57, and despite producing three centuries and four fifties in 17 Tests, his recent form has been underwhelming. Even after his success in guiding India to a T20 World Cup triumph last year, calls for Rohit’s exit from red-ball cricket have intensified.
Virat Kohli: The Decline of a Cricketing Legend
Virat Kohli’s form in Test cricket has been under scrutiny as well, with a disappointing average of 24.11 in 2024 and a particularly poor 7.00 in first innings. Despite scoring a century and a fifty in a year, Kohli’s inability to convert starts into significant scores and his struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump have raised concerns about his future in the format.
While Kohli’s performance away from home has been stronger than Rohit’s, both players are facing mounting pressure due to their underperformance. Kohli is speculated to not only retain his place but potentially reclaim the Test captaincy from Rohit, who is rumoured to announce his retirement after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With both players struggling to meet their usual standards, the possibility of their retirements seems imminent, signalling the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.
A Generational Shift
The duo’s potential retirements would mark the end of a glorious era for Indian cricket, paving the way for a younger generation. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to take over as the permanent Test captain, India appears set for a significant transition. Bumrah’s leadership has impressed in limited opportunities, and he is seen as a steady hand to guide the team into a new chapter.
Adding to the narrative of change, legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his retirement, becoming the second player after MS Dhoni to step away during a Border-Gavaskar series. Speculation also surrounds Ravindra Jadeja, who may follow suit.
As Kohli and Rohit face mounting scrutiny, their possible exits would signal the end of an era defined by their immense contributions. While their Test futures remain uncertain, one thing is clear: their legacies as two of India’s greatest cricketers will continue to inspire generations to come. Whether they step away or stay on, Indian cricket is poised for a transformative phase, blending the old guard’s wisdom with the vigour of emerging talent.
