In an unexpected downturn, Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced intense criticism from fans after a collective underperformance in the recent three-match Test series against New Zealand. Their struggles as both batters and leaders ignited a wave of fan frustration, with many calling for their immediate retirement from Test cricket. The demands reflect a sharp disappointment from fans who have long hailed these players as pillars of India’s batting lineup.
The series statistics paint a stark picture of the struggles both players faced. Rohit Sharma managed only 91 runs across three Tests, averaging a mere 15.16, with his highest score at 52. Virat Kohli, while slightly better, accumulated just 93 runs at an average of 15.50. Kohli’s most substantial contribution was a 70-run knock in Pune’s second innings; otherwise, he managed only 23 runs in five innings. The lack of significant contributions from these senior players mirrored India’s underwhelming batting performance, with the team crossing the 200-run mark just twice in the entire series.
BGT should be the absolute last chance for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Unless they perform in Australia better to ask them to retire from test. India can’t afford to have walking wickets like Rohit and Kohli for too long now. #INDvNZ #ViratKohli #retire pic.twitter.com/QKeMt59Tii
— Shivam Rajput (@Shivam_rajput3) November 3, 2024
It’s high for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to say Bye to Cricket as they are finished, else they will be kicked out from the team,specially RS his reflexes are not good as before.#INDvNZ #SharfrazKhan #ViratKohli #RohitSharma BCCI Gambhir Chokli #retire #BabarAzam𓃵 #whitewash pic.twitter.com/tOqzvbQRhR
— 𝕂𝕀𝕊ℍÅÑ ℙÂÑ𝔻Ë𝕐 🇮🇳 🚩 (@malaiyapandey25) November 4, 2024
The team’s struggles culminated in a record low score of 46 in the Bengaluru Test’s first innings, marking their lowest-ever total on home soil. Despite spirited efforts by Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, whose consistent scoring kept India’s fight alive, the lack of support from the rest of the lineup led to India’s first-ever whitewash in a home series of at least three Tests.
If you want Rohit Sharma to retire 🤔 like this tweet ..#retire#ViratKohli #INDvNZ #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/Yqa72GYnHY
— KL Mahi Shankhdhar™🇮🇳🕉🚩💛 (@ImKLMahi) November 3, 2024
If you want Virat Kohli to retire like this tweet #retire pic.twitter.com/7RXeyUW8MO
— 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐇𝐈 (@22_susheel) November 3, 2024
Rohit, admitting his struggles as captain and opener, found himself outplayed by New Zealand’s pacers on spin-friendly pitches. His dismissal in the second innings of the Mumbai Test, where he fell to a pacer before spinners entered the attack, raised questions about his shot selection and technique. Kohli’s woes, meanwhile, centered around his difficulty facing left-arm spinners. Both Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel exposed weaknesses in Kohli’s footwork and edge control, raising concerns about his adaptability against spin.
For fans, typically engaged in debates over who among Kohli and Rohit is the better batter, the pair’s sudden decline was a tough pill to swallow. Frustrated by the lack of impact from these senior players, many took to social media, demanding a change.
According to reports, the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia may serve as a final assessment for some of India’s aging players. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli approaching the twilight of their careers, and with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin also nearing their career peaks, the series could mark the last for at least two of these four seasoned players.
As per a senior BCCI official, informal discussions are expected between board officials, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma on the path forward for India’s senior players. However, with the Australia series squad already finalized, any immediate changes to the lineup are unlikely. “Stock will certainly be taken, and it could be of an informal nature since the team leaves for Australia on November 10,” stated a senior BCCI source on condition of anonymity. “It’s been a significant setback, but with the Australia series approaching, there won’t be any immediate tinkering.”
The disappointing results against New Zealand have raised questions about India’s long-term strategy, especially as the team faces formidable competition in Australia. With experienced players under scrutiny and a younger generation waiting for opportunities, Team India finds itself at a critical juncture. Fans and cricket analysts alike will be watching closely as the team gears up for the Australia series, hoping for a rebound and perhaps a glimpse of what the future holds for Indian Test cricket.
