Former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri shared his insights on the future of star players Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma during commentary on the fifth day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Responding to commentator Mark Nicholas’ question, Shastri reflected on the struggles of the two batters in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.
"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,” said Shastri.
The two experienced players have faced criticism for their underwhelming performances in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
In the latest match, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact, with their dismissals occurring in the first session.
Rohit managed just nine runs off 40 balls before flicking a Pat Cummins delivery to the gully.
Rahul fell to an exceptional delivery from Cummins for a duck, while Kohli was caught at first slip by Mitchell Starc after chasing a wide delivery, scoring only five runs off 29 balls.
In the first innings, Kohli showed some resistance, scoring 36 runs off 86 deliveries, but Rohit was dismissed for just three runs
The middle session of the match provided a glimmer of hope for India through a defiant partnership between Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, Australia regained control in the final stages. Scott Boland dismissed Jasprit Bumrah with a nick to Steve Smith at first slip, while Nathan Lyon trapped Mohammed Siraj leg-before to seal the victory for Australia.
- Ravi Shastri
- Rohit Sharma
