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Isn’t it a better to play Test cricket aggressively rather than trying to survive? Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli tried to survive without much of a success while chasing 340 to win against Australia in the fourth Test match in Melbourne. Hence, they failed to make an impact in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy with their over-cautious approach. The bottom line is that Team India can no longer depend on the celebrated duo to save matches.
Of course, there was no rush to score quickly but playing their natural game was the least expected from Rohit and Virat, but that didn’t happen. Kohli once again struggled with deliveries outside the off-stump and his inability to counter those deliveries at the MCG further compounded the pressure. Rohit, too, despite his rich experience, found it tough to turn his form around, managing only 31 runs across three Tests in the series. Together, they set the tone for a cautious approach, which seemed to undermine the batting unit’s potential.
In stark contrast to the high-intensity, aggressive cricket that India had been known for, this defensive strategy led to a sluggish start, with even Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young opener, unable to express himself freely. Australia’s disciplined bowling only added to the pressure, as the Indian batters found themselves stuck in a rut, unsure of how to balance attack and defense. However, the mindset changed right after Rishabh Pant came to the crease and things started to flow a little better.
The fundamental error was the shift in mindset from the aggressive style that worked in the previous series to a more reserved, almost survivalist approach. The pressure mounted as Australia’s bowlers maintained their line and length, suffocating the Indian batting lineup early on. For India to win in such conditions, they would need to recapture the spirit of their memorable victories and trust their natural game rather than being overly defensive.
Also, the ongoing struggles of Rohit and Virat in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy have sparked significant debate about their future in Test cricket. Both players are legends in their own right, but as they age and face more challenges, the question arises: how much longer can they continue at the highest level?
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri’s comments about Rohit’s footwork are insightful. Footwork has always been a cornerstone of a batter’s success, especially in challenging conditions like Australia. Rohit’s struggles against both pace and spin in recent times, particularly in overseas conditions, have raised questions about his technique. While he has been highly successful in ODIs and T20s, his record in Tests, especially as an opener in difficult conditions, remains a point of concern. The fact that he’s nearing 37 adds further pressure, as the window for improvement may be narrowing. Many pundits feel that Rohit might not have much time left if his form doesn’t drastically improve in the last Test in Sydney. And losing the series could be detrimental to him to continue as the Test captain.
Virat, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance in Test cricket over the past few years, especially with his historic series victories in Australia and his remarkable consistency at home. However, his struggle against deliveries outside the off-stump remains a major issue. The fact that Kohli has three more years of Test cricket ahead of him, as suggested by Shastri, could be optimistic. In reality, Kohli’s mental and physical resilience will be tested, as Test cricket demands peak form for extended periods. Though he’s still a key figure in Indian cricket, there’s no doubt that the pressure is mounting. Critics believe his form will be closely monitored, and if he doesn’t find a way to overcome these technical issues, his position in the side could be under threat, who knows?
There’s a school of thought that feels the time has come for a change of guard. Both Kohli and Rohit are nearing the twilight of their careers, and despite their past achievements, their continued struggles against high-quality bowling in challenging conditions suggest that they may no longer be the automatic choices they once were. There’s a growing emphasis on youth and the need for fresh blood in the team to face the new challenges ahead. Players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and a few others could be seen as the future, and if Kohli and Rohit’s form doesn’t improve, it could prompt the selectors to make hard decisions.
