Gautam Gambhir, former Indian cricketer, has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With the series now more crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC) qualification, Gambhir believes the senior duo still has plenty to offer, despite their recent struggles.
The recent series against New Zealand and Bangladesh saw both players underperform. Rohit managed just 133 runs in 10 innings, averaging only 13.30. Kohli fared slightly better with 192 runs, averaging 21.33. These poor performances raised doubts about their form, especially since India lost a Test series at home for the first time in 12 years.
But Gambhir has no doubts about their ability.
“I have no concerns whatsoever about Virat and Rohit,” said Gambhir. “They are incredibly tough players and have done so much for Indian cricket. I believe they will continue to do great things. The most important thing is that they are still working hard and are passionate about the game.”
Kohli’s Dip in Form and the Transition Question
While Rohit has had a better start to the year, Kohli’s form has raised more questions. He has not scored a Test century in over a year, and in the past five years, his batting has seen a sharp decline. With only two centuries in his last 60 innings, his average has dropped from 55 to 47.83.
At 36, Kohli’s age has also led to discussions about the future of India’s Test team. With players like R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also nearing their 30s, many have wondered if a “transition” is on the horizon.
However, Gambhir isn’t focused on these discussions.
“I’m not thinking about any transition right now,” Gambhir explained. “What matters is the five Test matches against Australia. These players are still hungry for success, and as long as they remain passionate, I have no doubt they’ll continue to achieve great things for India.”
Looking Ahead to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Reflecting on India’s recent loss to New Zealand, Gambhir admitted that the team was outplayed. However, he believes the squad has learned from the experience and is now focused on the upcoming series in Australia.
“We were outplayed in all areas against New Zealand,” said Gambhir. “But we accept that and are moving forward. The challenge now is Australia, and we are ready to give our best. The conditions will be tough, but with proper preparation and the experience of players who have been to Australia many times, we are confident we can do well.”
Preparation for the Upcoming Series
Gambhir emphasized the importance of the next ten days for India’s preparation. With experienced players in the squad, they will look to build a solid foundation before the series begins.
“The preparation in the next ten days will be crucial,” Gambhir said. “Once the series starts, we will be ready to fire from ball one.”
India is set to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and despite the recent setbacks, Gambhir remains optimistic about the team’s chances.