Indian cricket team’s star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced intense criticism following their team’s dismal performance in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. Both players failed to deliver with the bat, contributing to India’s 0-3 series defeat.
Rohit Sharma, who captained the side, managed only 91 runs in the series, averaging a meager 15.16. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, scored 93 runs at an average of 15.50. Their poor form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has been particularly critical of the duo, comparing their struggles to those of Pakistan’s Babar Azam. “After Babar, Rohit and Virat are also in the same situation, poor form,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Ali pointed out specific instances where Rohit’s footwork was lacking, such as when he missed two deliveries and then stepped out to hit a four. “This shows that his feet are not moving, form is not good,” Ali said.
Ali also emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for players like Kohli and Rohit, who have been exempted from playing in the Ranji Trophy. “Virat Kohli, out of touch, not in form at all. He needs to play domestically before flying to Australia, Rohit also. Test match practice cannot be seen,” Ali said.
He added that the mandate of making players available for domestic cricket to be eligible for India selection should be strictly enforced. “Everyone played, all of them performed in patches – Shubman Gill, Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal…but these two (Rohit and Virat) were given a free hand and allowed to exclude themselves,” Ali said.
The criticism of Kohli and Rohit comes at a crucial time, as India is set to tour Australia for a four-Test series later this year. The duo’s poor form has raised doubts about their ability to perform in challenging conditions.
