Melbourne defeat brings fresh calls for Rohit, Kohli to exit test arena

India’s comprehensive 184-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has reignited the debate surrounding the future of two of India’s most senior and decorated batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in the Test format.   

The manner of the defeat, a dramatic collapse on the final day, coupled with underwhelming performances from both Rohit and Kohli throughout the match, has led to a chorus of voices suggesting that the time may be right for the two veterans to step aside and allow the next generation of Indian cricketers to take the reins.

Chasing a daunting target of 340 runs, India began the final day with a glimmer of hope, but the dismissals of Rohit for a paltry 9 and Kohli for just 5 triggered a batting collapse of epic proportions. The team lost seven wickets for a mere 34 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 155. This dismal performance has intensified scrutiny on the senior players, particularly Rohit and Kohli, who have been struggling to find consistency in Test cricket in recent times.   

The calls for their exit are not solely based on this single performance. Both batsmen have experienced a noticeable dip in their Test form over the past couple of years. While they remain formidable forces in limited-overs cricket, their struggles against quality pace bowling in challenging conditions have become a recurring theme in Test matches.

Rohit, despite his undeniable talent and prolific record in white-ball cricket, has not fully translated that success to the Test arena, especially in overseas conditions. His vulnerability against the moving ball has been repeatedly exposed, and the Melbourne Test was no different.   

Kohli, once a run-machine across all formats, has also seen a decline in his Test batting average. While he still produces occasional match-winning innings, the frequency of those performances has decreased, and his struggles against deliveries outside off-stump have become a cause for concern.   

The emergence of talented young batsmen like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad has further fueled the debate about the need for a generational shift in the Indian Test team. These youngsters have shown immense potential in domestic cricket and in limited opportunities at the international level, and many believe that they deserve a consistent run in the Test side.

Several former cricketers and analysts have weighed in on the issue, with some suggesting that Rohit and Kohli should consider focusing on limited-overs cricket to prolong their careers and allow the younger players to gain experience in the Test format.

However, there are also voices who argue that it would be premature to write off Rohit and Kohli. They point to their vast experience and proven track record, suggesting that they still have a lot to offer to the Indian Test team. They argue that a couple of poor performances should not overshadow their immense contributions to Indian cricket over the years.

The decision ultimately lies with the Indian team management and the selectors. They will need to carefully assess the performances of all players, both senior and junior, and make decisions that are in the best interests of the team’s future.