Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has called for stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to domestic cricket as a means to regain their form ahead of India’s crucial England tour.
Shastri’s recommendation comes after India’s 3-1 series defeat in Australia, which exposed lingering vulnerabilities in both players’ performances underlined by this infamous stat.
While Kohli began the series with a century in Perth, his form dwindled, with each dismissal stemming from his struggles outside the off-stump. Meanwhile, Rohit opted out of the final Test in Sydney, citing poor form after scoring just 31 runs in five innings.
Ravi Shastri comments align with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent assertion that commitment to Test cricket should include participation in domestic matches. Speaking to the ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the significance of current form and fitness over reputation.
“There’s no substitute for experience, but fitness and form are crucial. If possible, players like Kohli and Rohit should find time to play domestic cricket,” Shastri said. “Test cricket demands a different mindset, and domestic cricket can help them rediscover that rhythm.”
However, the jam-packed cricket calendar poses a significant challenge. With India’s ODI series against England leading into the Champions Trophy, both players have limited opportunities to participate in the Ranji Trophy.
An alternative suggestion could involve Kohli and Rohit featuring in England’s county championship before the Test series. However, the allure of the IPL and their commitments to franchises make such an option almost implausible. Kohli, a linchpin for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is also a potential candidate to captain the side once more, adding to his packed schedule.
The road ahead for Kohli and Rohit is a challenging one. As India prepares for a pivotal England tour following the Champions Trophy, the balance between workload management and preparation will be critical.
Whether through domestic cricket or a mental reset, the duo must find a way to rejuvenate their red-ball game. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on how they approach this critical juncture in their careers.