Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Under Review
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI officials met to evaluate the team’s performance and discuss the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following a disappointing tour of Australia.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and top BCCI officials are set to meet on Saturday, January 11, to review the team’s underwhelming performance during the recent Australia tour. The selectors will also gather to finalize the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with significant discussions expected on the future of star batter Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.
Consecutive series losses to New Zealand at home and Australia away have raised concerns about Kohli and Rohit’s form, particularly with their waning contributions in recent matches. According to a report by PTI, a detailed plan will be considered on whether the team should initiate the transition process after the Champions Trophy in February or wait until the end of the current ICC cycle.
Despite the scrutiny, both Kohli and Rohit are likely to feature in the Champions Trophy, given their proven prowess in the 50-over format. “Kohli has always been a champion performer in ODIs,” said a source close to the team. Officials believe the tournament could provide both players an opportunity to regain form and confidence.
Kohli and Rohit’s limited playing time since the 2023 World Cup is also a factor under consideration, with both having participated in just three ODIs this year. In the recent series against Sri Lanka, Kohli scored 24, 14, and 20 in Colombo, while Rohit delivered more consistent performances with 58, 64, and 35.
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Their Test form, however, remains a concern, especially ahead of the demanding five-match away series against England. In the recent series against Australia, Kohli scored a century in Perth but managed only 190 runs across five matches at an average of 23.75. Rohit’s struggles were even more pronounced, scoring just 31 runs at a dismal average of 6.2 after missing two matches.
Saturday’s meeting is expected to chart the course for India’s future across formats, with Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI officials playing pivotal roles in shaping the next phase of Indian cricket.
Last Updated on January 11, 2025
