Is it time for Rohit-Virat to retire from Tests?

Seasoned Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma once again struggled to make an influence in the match, getting out cheaply in both innings of the fourth Test match between India and Australia in Melbourne. Following the dismissals, discussions about the retirement of the two grew louder, and ex-India coach Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts as well.

Commentator Mark Nicholas asked Shastri during Star Sports’ lunch program whether this marked the end of the journey for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Although Shastri stated firmly that Virat would be playing for the next 3-4 years, he was less certain about Rohit Sharma.

“I think Virat will play for some time. Forget the way he got out, or whatever. I think he’ll play for another three or four years. As far as Rohit is concerned, it’s a call. At the top of the order, you know, just feel the footwork isn’t the same. He’s probably at times, late in meeting the ball so it’s his call at the end of the series.” Shastri said, giving a clear verdict on Virat and Rohit’s retirement.

Rohit and Virat’s flop show at MCG

Following the conclusion of Australia’s second innings at 233 on the fifth day at the MCG, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped in to pursue the target of 340 runs. The two openers faced difficulties against the pace and swing of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, yet they sustained a partnership that continued until Rohit was ultimately out for 9 runs off 40 balls in the 16th over of the game. The Indian captain was quickly joined in the pavilion by KL Rahul, yet Virat Kohli’s entry to the crease provided the Indian fans with a glimmer of hope.

Nonetheless, Kohli was out for 5 just before lunch, leaving India at 33/3 and putting the visitors in a difficult situation in Melbourne.

In this edition of the BGT, Rohit skipped the opening match and has accumulated only 31 runs in the three games since, recording a highest score of 10.

In the meantime, Virat Kohli appeared to have regained his form with a century in the second innings of the initial Test match in Perth, yet the seasoned batsman has a comparable record to Rohit over the last three matches, scoring 62 runs in five innings at an average of 12.4.