Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most celebrated cricketers, are approaching the twilight of their careers. As they enter their mid-30s, questions are being raised about their continued presence in the national team.
Following India’s recent Test series loss to New Zealand, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for introspection regarding the team management’s approach to the senior duo. Gavaskar believes that if Kohli and Sharma fail to perform in the upcoming series against Australia, the pressure for a team overhaul will intensify.
“It’s ticking for everybody,” Gavaskar said. “But because they are in their 30s, mid-30s, it will be tougher for them than the guys in the early 20s or early 30s.”
Gavaskar acknowledged that Kohli and Sharma have been through a rare period of poor form, but emphasized that their performance in Australia will be crucial. “What we are going to see in Australia is really going to be interesting,” he said. “What we are going to see in Australia will determine the future of the Test team.”
Gavaskar also believes that the early announcement of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad was not a mistake. He argued that the selection committee had already considered potential replacements and included them in the team.
“I don’t think that there would have been too many changes,” Gavaskar said. “I don’t think, you know, announcing the team earlier was was an issue at all.”
The upcoming series against Australia will be a defining moment for Kohli and Sharma. If they fail to perform, the calls for a new-look Indian team will only grow louder. The future of the Test team hangs in the balance, and the performances of its two most experienced players will play a pivotal role in shaping its destiny.
