Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns regarding the current form and longevity of two of India’s most prominent batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He suggests that both players may have passed their prime in the demanding format of Test cricket. This assessment comes at a crucial juncture as India gears up for a highly anticipated away series against Australia, where they will aim to secure a historic hat-trick of series victories after previously winning their last two Test series down under.
In a recent discussion surrounding India’s prospects in the upcoming five-match Test series, Manjrekar articulated his belief that it could be quite challenging for the team to achieve another series win against a formidable Australian side. He expressed his concerns specifically about the current performances of Sharma and Kohli, remarking, "It might be a tough one. Virat and Rohit, both are not in their prime; they are not at the peak of their powers, to be fair." This candid statement underscores a significant transition phase for the Indian batting lineup, where emerging talents will need to step up and fill the void left by the senior players who have long been the backbone of the team.
Manjrekar emphasized the growing importance of younger batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, stating that they must take on greater responsibility to support the team in critical situations, especially in an away series known for its challenges. He noted, "Rishabh Pant is the only one that I feel is in his prime and a very important player," highlighting the need for new talent to complement the skills of existing players.
Rohit Sharma, despite being the leading run-scorer for India in Tests since 2020, has amassed a total of 2,038 runs at an average of 41.59, which includes six centuries and seven fifties. While these figures underscore his contribution to the team, Manjrekar’s remarks suggest that Rohit’s current form may not align with the high expectations set during his prime years. On the flip side, Kohli’s performance has notably declined since 2020, with the veteran batter accumulating only 1,745 runs at a disappointing average of 33.55, featuring just two centuries and eight half-centuries during that period. This decline raises questions about Kohli's ability to lead from the front, especially as India faces one of its toughest challenges against a resurgent Australian side.
Further adding to the complexity of the situation, Manjrekar expressed cautious optimism regarding India’s bowling unit, stating that it appears to be "sorted" for the Australian tour. This is an encouraging observation, particularly as a strong bowling attack is often crucial in achieving success in a high-stakes series like this. However, he also pointed out that the Australian team has lost some of its historical dominance, suggesting that the "aura and ability they had in the past, where every game they played, they were like champions, is not there anymore." This observation indicates that while India faces its own challenges, they may also find opportunities against a potentially vulnerable Australian side that might not be as intimidating as it once was.
Despite the bolstered bowling lineup featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and promising newcomer Akash Deep, India is grappling with significant concerns over Mohammed Shami’s fitness. Shami has not yet returned to full health following ankle surgery in February, and his absence would be a considerable blow to India's bowling attack, particularly in the challenging Australian conditions. His experience and skill would be invaluable in such a critical series, and his potential unavailability could force India to rethink their strategy.
On the Australian side, the team will also face its challenges, with all-rounder Cameron Green likely to miss the entire series due to a back stress fracture, for which he has opted to undergo surgery. Green’s absence would remove a key player from Australia’s lineup, which could have repercussions on their performance as India aims to capitalize on any weaknesses in their opponents.
The five-match Test series between India and Australia played for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is set to commence on November 22, a date that fans and players alike eagerly await. As anticipation builds, the focus will be on how the younger Indian batsmen respond to the challenge laid before them, and whether Sharma and Kohli can rise to the occasion despite their current struggles and the weight of expectations on their shoulders. This series not only represents a chance for India to further establish its dominance in Test cricket but also serves as an opportunity for the next generation of players to make their mark on the international stage. The outcome could significantly impact the future trajectory of Indian cricket, setting the tone for years to come.
