India’s disappointing 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has not only dashed their hopes for a series win but also knocked them out of contention for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. Amidst the aftermath, calls are growing louder for senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to return to domestic cricket to regain their form.
Rohit and Kohli, long regarded as pillars of Indian cricket, struggled to find form in the BGT. Rohit averaged under 11, while Kohli fared slightly better at 23—far below their usual standards. While their places in the squad have traditionally been unquestionable, these performances have amplified criticism, with many questioning if their best days are behind them.
Lack of red-ball exposure at the domestic level is increasingly being seen as a factor in their struggles
Adding to the debate is their absence from domestic cricket for years. Kohli hasn’t played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi since 2012, and Rohit last featured for Mumbai in 2015. This lack of red-ball exposure at the domestic level is increasingly being seen as a factor in their struggles in Test cricket.
While calls for senior players to return to domestic cricket are being amplified, the plight of consistent domestic performers cannot be ignored. Players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, who were consistent in Ranji Trophy cricket, were left warming the bench throughout the BGT series. Meanwhile, players with limited red-ball credentials found their way into the playing XI, raising questions about selection priorities.
Former Indian pacer Sudeep Tyagi, speaking on the Cricket Predicta show presented by 1xBat, weighed in on the issue. “Senior players must play domestic cricket before the England series. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman have done it. Every time Laxman was dropped, he returned to Ranji, worked on his game, and came back stronger,” Tyagi said.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy season presents a chance for Rohit and Kohli to return to the domestic stage. Delhi will play Saurashtra in an Elite Group D match from January 23, while Mumbai will face Jammu and Kashmir. Both matches allow the stalwarts to regain form and confidence before India’s Test series against England.
However, this opportunity comes with a trade-off. The Ranji Trophy resumes on January 23, just as India begins their home series against England, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs. Both players are expected to feature in the ODIs, scheduled for February 6, 9 and 12, in Nagpur, Cuttack and Ahmedabad. The decision is critical for Kohli and Rohit. Participating in the Ranji Trophy could help them rediscover their rhythm in the red-ball format. Delhi has managed just one win from five matches this season, making Kohli’s return even more crucial. Similarly, for Mumbai, Rohit’s experience could be invaluable.
KL Rahul, another senior player, might also feature for Karnataka, as he is not part of India’s T20I plans.
Domestic cricket has long been the proving ground for legends to revive their careers. Whether Rohit and Kohli choose to return to this stage or stick to their current schedules remains to be seen. For now, their next moves will be closely watched, as they look to silence critics and prove they still have the firepower to dominate at the highest level.