The recent Test match in Chennai between India and Bangladesh has brought disappointment, particularly concerning the performances of two of cricket’s biggest stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. As anticipation built for major contributions from them, fans were left unsettled as both players struggled significantly, raising questions about their preparation and readiness for the series. This situation prompts a critical discussion: could their outcomes have been different had they participated in a competitive match just prior to this series?
Preparation Woes: A Month Off the Field
Leading up to this Test series, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli found themselves on the sidelines for an entire month, with their last cricket appearance taking place in the early days of August—a period solely dedicated to ODI cricket. Prior to this, they had been engaged in the IPL and the T20 World Cup. It’s worth noting that Rohit played his last red-ball match during the Test series against England from January to March, making it a full six months since he faced a Test match. Kohli, on the other hand, returned to Test cricket in early January after just two days of play in South Africa. This long absence from facing the red ball casts a shadow on their recent performances.
Revisiting the Duleep Trophy: A Missed Opportunity
Given these circumstances, it raises an important question: should Kohli and Rohit have participated in the Duleep Trophy before this series? The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had mandated other players to engage in this competitive format; names like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav were all included. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had previously stated that both stars were exempted from participating to avoid any risk. However, it stands to reason that if they had played a four-day match in the Duleep Trophy, they could have regained their rhythm and acquired essential match practice ahead of the Test series.
Inconsistent Performances: A Cause for Concern
The outcomes in Chennai have subsequently drawn attention to their current forms. Rohit, who had excelled in the testing swinging conditions of England, succumbed to Bangladeshi bowlers within the initial overs in both innings. His discomfort at the crease was palpable as he faced a barrage from the opposition. Kohli’s struggles, especially against deliveries outside off-stump, have persisted like a chronic issue. This dilemma, which has plagued him for years, resurfaced dramatically when he was dismissed in the first innings bat, falling prey once again to a poorly played shot.
In the second innings, Kohli faced off-spinner Mehdi Hasan Miraz and was dismissed leg-before-wicket, further exposing his difficulties against spin bowlers. Although he started confidently, relying heavily on strokes like flicks and punches rather than employing effective sweeps, it ultimately led to an erroneous decision to walk away instead of utilizing the Decision Review System (DRS) after an edge.
Age-Related Challenges and Future Prospects
While Rohit and Kohli have amassed a wealth of experience over their international careers, the physical demands of cricket evolve as players age. Expectations remain high for them to seamlessly return to form, and historically, they have managed to do just that. However, at their current ages, maintaining batting reflexes becomes increasingly complex, and their vulnerabilities are more easily exploited by opponents.
As cricket progresses, so does the imperative for adaptation. Thus, it is essential for both players to seek methods of recovery from this disappointment. The hope is that the lessons learned from their recent struggles will fuel a renewed determination, allowing them to bounce back effectively in upcoming test matches.
