Team India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to find form ahead of the long Test season. Rohit Sharma 11 while Virat Kohli scored only 23 runs from two innings in Chennai Test.
India's lengthy and challenging Test season commenced with a comfortable win, as the Men in Blue triumphed over Bangladesh by 280 runs in the first Test in Chennai. Despite the overall success of the team across various aspects of the game, senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have struggled, marking a disappointing start for the duo.
Chennai Test epitomised Rohit-Kohli’s struggle
On the first day of the Chennai Test, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed cheaply, each scoring just 6 runs. Hasan Mahmud was the architect of their downfall, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul. Rohit faced 19 balls before being dismissed, while Kohli's innings was brief, lasting only 6 deliveries.
In the second innings, expectations were high for both Rohit and Kohli to redeem themselves, yet both faltered again. Rohit managed only 5 runs from 7 balls before falling to Taskin Ahmed, while Kohli fared slightly better with 17 runs from 37 balls, ultimately being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
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Stats don’t paint an encouraging picture
Virat Kohli has had a disappointing year across all formats of the game. In 15 matches and 17 innings that he has played in 2024, Kohli has accumulated only 319 runs, averaging a sub-par 18.76. With just one half-century to his name, which happens to be his best score—76 against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final.
In Test cricket, Kohli's average has reached an eight-year low. Over 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs at an average of 48.74, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His average has not been this low since November 2016, when it stood at 48.28.
The 2020s have not been kind to Kohli in the longer format. Since the start of 2020, he has played 30 Tests, amassing only 1,669 runs at an average of 32.72, with just two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings. His highest score during this period is 186.
In the on-going 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli has played five Tests, scoring 392 runs at an average of 49.00, including a century and two fifties, with a best score of 121. For India to secure their first World Test Championship title, Kohli’s resurgence will be essential in upcoming matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.
Rohit Sharma’s numbers against Bangladesh have been equally disappointing. In four Tests and five innings, he has managed only 44 runs, averaging 8.80 with a top score of just 21. However, his overall record against Bangladesh across all formats is much stronger: 1,307 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.84, featuring three centuries and eight fifties.
During the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, Rohit Sharma has fared better, scoring 711 runs at an average of 41.82, which includes three centuries and three fifties, with a highest score of 131.
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Expectations from the experienced duo
As captain, Rohit Sharma's leadership is crucial not just for the team's performance but also for setting the tone in the long Test season ahead in the WTC 2023-25. His role as an opener will be pivotal, as he aims to provide stability and support to his younger partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, in pressure situations.
Kohli, positioned at No. 4, remains a key player for India, being the most experienced Test cricketer on the team with the highest number of centuries and runs. His experience is invaluable, especially for guiding and mentoring younger players, including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Sarfaraz Khan. These emerging talents will greatly benefit from Kohli's insights, especially during challenging tours such as Australia.
Is there a reason to worry?
The failure of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to perform consistently raises legitimate concerns for the team's management. It is crucial for a successful team to rely on their key players. When the leading batters falter, it can signal deeper issues. However, it’s important to remember that both players have weathered rough patches before, demonstrating remarkable determination.
The selectors and management are likely to remain steadfast in their support for Rohit and Kohli, recognising their contributions to the team over the years. Their experience is vital in the longer format of the game, where pressure can mount and performances are scrutinised.
On a brighter note, the emergence of younger players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, along with established all-rounders like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, offers hope. Their impressive performances against Bangladesh in the first Test helped overshadow the struggles of Rohit and Kohli, showcasing the depth and potential of India’s squad.
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