Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Should Retire Now? Ravi Shastri Reacts On Another Flop Show In BGT 2024-25

Former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri on Monday backed Virat Kohli to continue playing Test cricket for another three to four years. Despite Kohli's recent struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shastri believes he still has a future in the game. However, Shastri suggested that Rohit Sharma might need to reconsider his career after the series concludes.

During the final innings of the fourth Test in Melbourne on 30th December, both Kohli and Sharma failed to perform when it mattered most. Rohit Sharma's performance as a batter has been underwhelming throughout the series. In the first innings, he managed only three runs after returning to open the batting order.

Struggles of Indian Batsmen

On Day 5 of the Melbourne Test, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced 17 challenging overs against Australia's formidable pace attack. Despite surviving the initial hour against Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Mitchell Starc, Rohit lost his wicket due to a lapse in concentration. He was caught by Mitchell Marsh while attempting a flick off Cummins.

India found themselves at 33 for 3 by lunch as familiar issues plagued Virat Kohli. He chased a delivery outside off-stump from Mitchell Starc, continuing his struggle against disciplined bowling. Kohli had earlier scored a century in Perth but has since faltered with scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5.

Kohli's Future Prospects

"No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for 3 or 4 more years," Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.

Rohit Sharma's form has been concerning as well. His scores of 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9 across three Tests have resulted in just 31 runs. His struggles were evident even during India's unexpected defeat to New Zealand last year when he scored only 91 runs in three Tests.

Shastri's Insights on Rohit's Struggles

"As far as Rohit is concerned, it's a call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn't the same. He is probably at times a little late in meeting the ball. So it's his call at the end of the series," Shastri remarked.

Shastri empathised with Rohit's challenges against Australia's relentless bowling on Day 5. "This is the mode of dismissal. Rohit Sharma at his best would have his front foot closer to the pitch of the ball," Shastri explained.

"They have bowled well at him. You can say 'try and attack the bowling'. But they gave you nothing," he added about Australia's impressive bowling performance.