India vs Australia: Virat Kohli’s Experience Faces Test Amid Team’s Changing Priorities

sanjeev

khelja|17-12-2024

Virat Kohli's dismissal for 3 in the third Test in Brisbane has certainly sparked a lot of debate, especially when it relates to his future in the game and his role in the Indian team.

Given his stature in world cricket, any dip in form or failure at a crucial juncture, especially in a series as high-profile as India vs Australia, is bound to attract attention.

Some of the talk about his impending retirement seems premature, but it reflects the immense scrutiny that comes with being one of the best players in the world. There are also suggestions like making Kohli captain instead of the struggling Rohit Sharma but it's a complicated discussion.

Rohit has been the captain in limited-overs formats and has had his successes, but leading India in Test cricket has proven to be more challenging. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has a proven track record as a captain, having led India to some historic Test series wins, including the first-ever series win in Australia.

However, with his recent form in the longer format being patchy, the debate about his leadership -- especially in the context of his performances -- has resurfaced. It's interesting how Kohli's form in Australia has become a focal point for much of the criticism, especially after a strong start to the series in Perth.

India's struggles in Brisbane aren't solely due to Kohli's dismissal, but when a player of his calibre gets out cheaply, the impact is more noticeable, and his performances are often used as a barometer for the team's success or failure. Kohli's contributions over the years cannot be overlooked, and it's fair to say that his current slump shouldn't overshadow his legacy.

However, the situation does highlight how cricket's shifting dynamics, especially with younger players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and others emerging, may force India to consider whether it's time for a new direction in leadership and a new era of batting.

As for retirement, while it seems premature, the question will likely become more pertinent if Kohli's struggles continue over an extended period.

But for now, it's more about finding the right balance between his vast experience and the team's evolving needs. The focus should perhaps remain on Kohli's ability to rediscover his form, rather than jumping to conclusions about his future.

There's certainly a lot of pressure on Rohit following India's loss to New Zealand at home and the continuing struggles in the Australia series.

As the Test captain, the results -- and often individual performances -- are under the microscope, and a series loss like that puts his leadership under significant scrutiny.

Leading India in Test cricket has proved to be more challenging for Rohit, and that challenge becomes even more pronounced when the team isn't performing at its best. The murmurs around his captaincy are not entirely unfounded, given the recent results and the overall dip in India's performances, especially in high-stakes series.

It's clear that Rohit's leadership is being questioned in light of India's inability to convert strong starts into consistent victories.

The recent loss to New Zealand, coupled with a disappointing show against Australia in Brisbane, makes it more difficult for Rohit Sharma to silence the critics. Jasprit Bumrah would have been a natural choice to take over as captain, particularly given his leadership qualities on the field and his impact in all formats. His absence due to workload management has certainly deprived India of a leader who could have seamlessly stepped into the role. Bumrah's leadership qualities -- his calm demeanour, tactical nous, and match-winning ability -- would have made him an ideal Test captain.

Unfortunately, his absence has highlighted just how dependent India's leadership might be on someone with a proven track record in managing pressure. Rohit, for all his success as a batter and as a captain in white-ball cricket, is still in the process of finding his feet as Test captain. The pressure is mounting, and the team's performances will be key in determining his future as leader. If India doesn't bounce back and deliver a strong finish to the series, there could be more calls for a change in leadership.

And yes, in some ways, Rohit should indeed be thankful for Bumrah's role as a bowler. Bumrah's presence, especially with his leadership capabilities, could have alleviated some of the pressure on Rohit. His absence not only weakens India's bowling attack but also takes away a potential leader who could have shouldered more responsibility. This may lead to more questions about whether India needs to reconsider leadership choices, especially if Rohit continues to struggle as captain.

The author is a seasoned cricket journalist with over two decades of experience covering the sport