There is a period of change going on in Indian cricket at this time. After the historic T20 World Cup 2024 win, Team India – and its two most experienced players – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – are going through a tough phase by the end of the year. India's 2024/25 Test season was a disastrous one, and the team was knocked out of the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time. Apart from poor batting and Jasprit Bumrah, bowling weakness was the main reason.
Rohit and Virat's careers should be judged separately: Deep Dasgupta
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta said that the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be judged together. "Every player's evaluation should be different. Just like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were seen separately, Rohit and Virat's careers should also be seen differently. ”
Rohit and Virat's performance in the 2024/25 Test season
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been struggling with poor form in this Test season. Virat scored 382 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.47, including a century. But in the remaining 18 innings, he scored only 282 runs.
At the same time, Rohit Sharma's performance was even more disappointing. The Indian captain scored just 164 runs in 15 innings, averaging a meagre 10.93. During this time, only one half-century came out of his bat. Rohit is 37 years old and if the next WTC cycle is completed, he will cross 40, which may make it difficult for him to continue his Test career.
Questions on Rohit Sharma's captaincy
Rohit's captaincy has also come under criticism. India lost 5 out of the last 6 Test matches under his leadership, including a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand on home ground. It also broke the record streak of India's home Test wins. Apart from this, India also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
The next 5 months are crucial for Rohit's career
"The next five months are crucial for Rohit Sharma's career. During this time, most of the matches will be related to white-ball cricket and IPL. If Rohit performs brilliantly in these formats, then his claim will remain. Apart from this, his fitness and his game in the Champions Trophy will also play a decisive role. At the end of the day, the decision has to be taken by the selectors. ”
It remains to be seen how Rohit Sharma performs in the coming months and whether he can answer the critics with his form and leadership ability.