India’s Home Season Ends in Disappointment as Kohli and Rohit Falter
India’s once-unbeatable home record in Test cricket has been shattered, with the team suffering a disappointing defeat in the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The loss marks the end of a dismal home season for star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have failed to live up to expectations.
In the third Test, India’s second innings collapsed cheaply, with Kohli and Sharma both falling for low scores. This followed a similar pattern in the first two Tests, where the Indian batting lineup struggled to cope with the New Zealand spinners on dustbowls.
Kohli, who turns 36 next week, has not scored a Test century since July 2023. His average of 21.33 in the home season is a far cry from his usual high standards. Sharma, the Indian captain, has also endured a poor run of form, averaging just 13.30 with a highest score of 52.
The diminishing returns of Kohli and Sharma are a major concern for India ahead of their upcoming five-Test series in Australia. The next couple of months will be crucial in determining whether the two stalwarts can extend their Test careers.
The Indian team’s home season has been a tale of two halves. After a dominant performance in the first Test against Bangladesh, India suffered a humiliating defeat in the second Test against New Zealand. The third Test ended with a whimper, leaving the team with a lot to ponder before their next assignment.
