India’s batting stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have endured a disappointing run in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. Their struggles have raised concerns among fans ahead of the crucial tour of Australia.
Kohli, who has been grappling with form in Test cricket for the past few years, has managed only 88 runs in four innings, with a solitary half-century. Rohit, the team’s opening batsman, has fared slightly better with 62 runs, including a knock of 52.
The duo’s inconsistent form has contributed to India’s consecutive defeats, handing New Zealand a historic 2-0 series lead. Their absence from the season-opening domestic red-ball tournament, the Duleep Trophy, has also drawn criticism.
Former India spinner and selector Sunil Joshi has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for top players. He believes that playing in domestic tournaments helps batters improve their skills against spin bowling, a crucial aspect in Indian conditions.
“When will we see our top-order batters go back to play domestic cricket?” Joshi questioned. “If you don’t play domestic cricket, you won’t be able to play spinners.”
A comparison statistic on social media has highlighted the contrast between Kohli and Rohit’s recent domestic appearances and that of legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2013, the same year he retired from international cricket. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in 2012, while Rohit’s was in the 2015-16 season.
Fans have questioned why Kohli and Rohit cannot follow Tendulkar’s example and participate in domestic cricket to prepare for international assignments. They argue that playing in domestic tournaments would help them regain form and improve their skills against spin bowling.
As India gears up for the challenging tour of Australia, the performance of Kohli and Rohit will be crucial. Their ability to rediscover their form and contribute significantly to the team’s success will be a key factor in determining India’s chances of success Down Under.
