Former India head coach Ravi Shastri still believes Virat Kohli has “several years of Test cricket left in him” but feels Rohit Sharma might have to rethink his retirement or at least his batting role after the current series.
Both the senior Indian batsmen failed again in their last match. Rohit, opening the innings, played cautiously for 39 balls but got out to Pat Cummins while trying to play a flick, where he edged the ball to Mitchell Marsh. Kohli, on the other hand, was caught by Mitchell Starc while trying to play a wide delivery.
Rohit Sharma retirement rumours: Shastri speaks
Shastri was optimistic about Kohli’s future but had doubts regarding Rohit. Speaking to Star Sports, he said, “Forget today’s dismissal; I believe Virat has three to four years of Test cricket ahead of him. He’s still in great shape.” As far as Rohit was concerned, he was less sure. “Rohit’s footwork at the top of the order seems slower than before. It’s something he’ll need to evaluate at the end of the series.”
Kohli has shown moments of form during the series – a century in Perth and a dogged 36 in the first innings of the latest game. In contrast, Rohit has scored a top score of a mere 10 runs in the series so far.
Shastri also conceded Australia’s relentless bowling attack, which he termed as one of the best performances from them in a long time. He added:
“This is the mode of dismissal. Rohit Sharma, at his best, that front foot would be closer to the pitch of the ball. There’s a trigger movement and then the front foot stays planted. So the bat goes at the ball, so you are playing away from the body. They have bowled well at him. You can say ‘try and attack the bowling’. But, they gave you nothing. This is the best I think Australia have bowled in one spell as a unit.”
While Kohli’s ability to deliver under pressure remains evident, the spotlight is firmly on Rohit. With his natural game restricted by Australia’s precision, questions about his role in the team’s future lineup grow louder.