Time For Rohit Sharma , Virat Kohli To Retire From Test Cricket
Their collective and individual lack of effort has cost India the TEST World Cup,
SPORT
ROHIT SHARMA
Ah, Rohit Sharma—once the Hitman, now seemingly the standard-man in Test cricket. Over the last 12 months, his form with the bat has been about as dependable as Mumbai's monsoon. In his last 10 Test innings, he’s averaged 11.30. Yes, you read that right—11.30. You’d think he was auditioning for the “Ordinary Order Club” rather than cementing his spot in India’s batting lineup.
Take the recent series against New Zealand and Australia, for example. Our captain racked up a total of 31 runs across five innings, at an average of 6.20 against Australia. If you're wondering, yes, that’s a new record—for being the lowest-scoring touring captain in Australia with at least five innings. Even the bowlers on both sides probably scored more runs than that while sneaking singles.
Now let’s talk about how he’s managed to get out so often. It’s an impressive array of errors, really—a showcase of his “versatility” in losing his wicket:
False Shots Galore: He’s been poking at balls outside off-stump like he’s trying to catch butterflies, only to gift catches to the slip cordon.
Good-Length Disasters: Anything pitched on a good length? Yup, those deliveries are sneaking past his bat faster than your food delivery on a quiet Sunday. Bowled, lbw, take your pick.
Now, as captain, you’d hope he’s making up for this with some tactical genius, right? Wrong. His captaincy over the past year has been... let’s say “creatively chaotic.” Sure, 12 wins in 24 matches looks decent on paper, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a treasure trove of questionable decisions.
Team Selection Woes: Persisting with out-of-form players, while the in-form guys are left sipping chai on the bench.
Defensive Field Placements: Imagine setting fields that scream, “Hey opposition, take all the singles you want!” That’s been Rohit’s vibe lately.
Delayed Bowling Changes: Oh, the classic “Wait-till-it’s-too-late” strategy. He’s been so hesitant with bowling changes, it’s almost like he’s playing chess... but without knowing it’s his move.
Former teammates have even started whispering that Rohit’s dismal batting form is dragging his captaincy down with it. Apparently, when you’re walking back to the pavilion for single-digit scores every other innings, it’s tough to focus on setting a field or rotating your bowlers. Who knew?
And so, here we are—12 months into this mess, with people already calling for Rohit to step aside from Test cricket entirely. Retirement rumors are flying faster than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker, and let’s be honest, it might not be the worst idea. Maybe it’s time to pass the baton to someone else. He's @ the retirement age threshold too.
Rohit Sharma, ladies and gentlemen: a masterclass in how to do just enough to keep the spotlight on yourself—for all the wrong reasons.
VIRAT KOHLI
Virat Kohli—the once-unstoppable run machine who's recently been faltering and lurching, unable to settle down and score runs.
Batting Performance:
In the past year, Kohli has managed to accumulate a whopping 376 runs over 17 innings, averaging a modest 22.12. This includes a solitary century and a lone fifty.
His last 10 Test innings have been particularly underwhelming, with an average of 24.0, indicating a consistent struggle to find form.
His dismissals have often been the result of:
The Outside-Off Temptation: Kohli's well-documented love affair with deliveries outside the off-stump continues, leading to numerous edges and catches behind the wicket.
Spin Troubles: A surprising vulnerability against spin, with 22 out of his last 27 dismissals in 17 Tests coming against finger-spin and
Questionable Shot Selection: Instances of poor shot choices.
On & Off Field Behavior:
Kohli's aggressive demeanor remains ever-present, for better or worse. His recent on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test, where they bumped shoulders, earned him a 20% match fee penalty and a demerit point. This incident drew criticism from various quarters, including former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe, who initially labeled Kohli's behavior as arrogant but later issued an apology.
Off the field, Kohli continues to be a polarizing figure. His passionate and sometimes confrontational demeanor has led to divided opinions among critics, media, and fans. While some admire his intensity and commitment, others believe his behavior can be overbearing and detrimental to the team's image.
Could His Behavior Be Better? In a word, yes. While aggression can be a valuable trait in competitive sports, Kohli's recent actions suggest a need for greater self-control and professionalism.
Physical altercations and provocative gestures not only attract penalties but also set a questionable example for younger players and fans. A more measured approach could enhance his leadership qualities and contribute positively to team dynamics.
In summary, Virat Kohli's past year has been a mixed bag of underwhelming batting performances and contentious behavior both on and off the field.
While his passion for the game is undeniable, a reassessment of his approach could be beneficial for both his personal career and the broader interests of Indian cricket.
Both, Rohit & Kohli, two of India's senior most batters and Icon's are 35+ years old. It's time they should think of retiring, there-by avoiding being shunted out of the game.
Many talented youngsters wait in the sideline, willing to step-up and prove their mettle.