Star batter Virat Kohli, once hailed as the face of modern Indian cricket, has undeniably faced substantial challenges with his form over the past few years, raising concerns about his future as a dominant force in the sport.
The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series between Australia and India kicks off in Perth on Friday, featuring a showdown between two of the finest teams in red-ball cricket today.
The last four series between these cricketing giants have provided thrilling encounters, reinforcing their status as the most significant rivalry in Test cricket in the contemporary era. This competitive stretch has been particularly favorable for India, who have remarkably clinched victory in all four series, notably achieving triumphs on Australian soil twice in succession.
However, India’s shocking whitewash at the hands of New Zealand has illuminated cracks in their lineup, particularly emphasizing the struggles of some of their star players in high-pressure scenarios.
As the Test series unfolds, seasoned veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja will be under the microscope as they have been instrumental in India’s cricketing success across all formats for the past decade. Yet, advancing age coupled with recent performance dips casts a shadow of doubt over their capacity and drive to sustain success at the highest echelons of the game.
Kohli’s alarming slump in form over the last three years has left fans and analysts questioning whether the batting prodigy can reclaim his former glory. Once a relentless run-scorer, Kohli has added just two centuries to his impressive tally of 27 Test centuries, which he amassed at a record-breaking rate earlier in his career.
His batting average, which once hovered in the mid-50s, has now seen a significant decline, dropping below the 48-mark. This decline raises eyebrows considering Kohli was earlier seen as the likely candidate to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable Test records.
Historically, Australia has been a fruitful ground for Kohli, who made his Test century debut in Adelaide back in 2011. His breathtaking performances during the 2014-15 series, where he showcased extraordinary strokeplay, solidified his position among cricket’s elite.
Kohli’s intense, fiery passion for the game allowed him to outshine even the fierce Australians, earning him unwavering respect and admiration among fans in Australia. Leading India to their historic first Test series victory on Australian soil in 70 years catapulted him to cult hero status.
Despite captain Rohit Sharma’s relatively later emergence as a Test giant, his standing in the game is comparable to Kohli’s thanks to the immense respect he garners from opponents.
Although his early Test career began with centuries in his first two matches, Sharma faced turbulence in form that briefly jeopardized his place until he found newfound success as an opener – a position he has since owned.
Sharma’s lethal capabilities in white-ball cricket have often overshadowed his impressive performance in Tests, where he possesses the ability to be both destructive and graceful as the circumstances demand.
While Sharma’s inconsistency in accumulating big scores remains a point of contention, the consensus among cricketing enthusiasts is that his return to form significantly elevates India’s prospects in Test matches.
Unfortunately, Sharma faced a sharp downturn during the recent Test series against both Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he and Kohli struggled to tally even 200 runs across ten innings.
The caliber of both Sharma and Kohli is indisputable, leading to an unsettling question: are these stars past their prime?
R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, renowned as world-class all-rounders, bring substantial value to the team, having both amassed over 3,000 runs in addition to Ashwin’s impressive milestone of over 500 Test wickets, while Jadeja recently crossed the 300-wicket threshold.
Together, they have wreaked havoc on opposing teams, though their records on overseas tours leave much to be desired.
In Australia, for instance, Ashwin has claimed 39 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 42.15, whereas Jadeja has been remarkable with 14 wickets in just four Tests, achieving an outstanding average of 21.78.
However, these statistics can often mislead. Ashwin, known for his inventive techniques, adds an element of unpredictability to his bowling, having previously ensnared Australia’s top batsmen like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in 2021. In contrast, Jadeja’s exceptional control makes him economical and dangerous, especially on deteriorating pitches.
Additionally, the pair’s contribution extends beyond mere bowling prowess; Ashwin’s resilient batting during pivotal moments in the gripping 2021 series was crucial for India’s success, while Jadeja frequently bolsters the batting unit with his stalwart defense and aggressive strokes when the top order falters. His exceptional fielding alone adds 30-35 runs to the team’s scorecard.
Recent performances against New Zealand cast a shadow over Ashwin and Jadeja, as their returns were relatively modest – with Ashwin securing nine wickets at a strike rate of 66.33 and Jadeja bagging 16 wickets at 37.93.
In fact, the Kiwi spinners outperformed both stalwarts, contributing to India’s loss at home and marking the end of an extraordinary 18-match winning streak in Test series. This raises a pivotal question: is this decline merely an aberration or indicative of waning prowess?
While it may seem unwise to hastily write off players of their caliber based solely on a few disappointing performances, it’s essential to recognize that elite athletes draw upon self-belief and pride to surmount obstacles and shine when stakes are highest.
As these experienced athletes approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, their performance in the ongoing series holds immense significance – not just for team ambitions but personal validation and legacy.
A successful campaign will indicate a resurgence in their form and help stave off the challenges posed by an influx of exceptionally talented young cricketers. Conversely, failure could amplify calls for a more extensive overhaul within Indian cricket, questioning the relevance of these stalwarts in the years to come.
Can Rohit Sharma bounce back and regain his position as a reliable opener for India?
**Interview with Former Cricketer and Analyst, Sanjay Menon**
**Interviewer:** Good to have you with us, Sanjay! Let’s dive right into the discussions surrounding Virat Kohli. After a phenomenal start to his career, how do you view Kohli’s recent struggles in Test cricket?
**Sanjay Menon:** Thank you for having me! Kohli’s fall from grace has been quite remarkable, and I think it stems from a combination of factors. We’ve seen a dip in his runs and his average has plummeted below 48 when it was once hovering around the 50s. It’s tough to see a player, who was once considered a run machine, face such challenges. But cricket is a game of ebbs and flows—every player has their peaks and valleys.
**Interviewer:** Do you think Kohli can regain his former glory?
**Sanjay Menon:** If anyone can bounce back, it’s Kohli. His passion and dedication to the sport are undeniable. He has historically performed well in Australia, and as the Border-Gavaskar Test series begins, this could be the perfect stage for him to rediscover his form. However, it will require mental fortitude and perhaps a bit of luck.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of form, Rohit Sharma also faced a rapid decline recently. How do you assess his position in the team right now?
**Sanjay Menon:** Rohit’s journey has been one of resilience. He faced uncertainty earlier in his career, but he found his niche as an opener and has made some notable contributions. Yet, his recent struggles against teams like New Zealand raise concerns, especially since he and Kohli collectively couldn’t tally even 200 runs in ten innings. The question arises—are these veterans past their prime? It’s a tough call but both players still command respect and have the potential to be game-changers.
**Interviewer:** What about the contributions of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, especially in overseas conditions?
**Sanjay Menon:** Both Ashwin and Jadeja have been phenomenal as all-rounders, with impressive wicket tallies and runs. However, their performances overseas tell a different story. Ashwin’s average in Australia is concerning given his talent. That said, their impact goes beyond mere statistics; Ashwin’s variety and Jadeja’s control can turn games, especially on spin-friendly pitches. The key for both will be to adapt their strategies outside familiar conditions.
**Interviewer:** With upcoming crucial Test matches, what are your predictions for India?
**Sanjay Menon:** India’s depth lies in its ability to rise to the occasion, especially against their biggest rivals. If the seasoned players like Kohli and Sharma step up, the team can achieve remarkable successes. However, consistency will be their biggest challenge. I’m looking forward to an exciting series as they battle it out against Australia!
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your insights, Sanjay! We certainly have a lot to watch for in the upcoming series.
**Sanjay Menon:** My pleasure! It’s always a thrill to discuss cricket, especially during such pivotal moments in the sport.