The recent Test series against New Zealand at home and Australia away proved to be challenging for Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both batters struggled to find their rhythm in the red-ball format, leading to scrutiny from cricket pundits and former players. Their prolonged lean patches have sparked a broader discussion about their place in the Test setup and the need to revisit their roots in domestic cricket.
Ravi Shastri, the former India head coach and now a seasoned commentator, has weighed in on the matter with a constructive suggestion. Shastri believes that Kohli and Rohit should consider returning to domestic cricket to sharpen their skills and rediscover their form.
Speaking on The ICC Review, he explained, “If there’s a gap, I think they should go back and play domestic cricket. It’s important for two reasons: staying in touch with the younger generation and contributing to their development with experience. Plus, domestic cricket offers the chance to play quality spin—a critical area where India has struggled on turning tracks.”
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Shastri also pointed out that India’s vulnerability against top-class spin was evident in recent matches, with opposition spinners posing significant challenges. While emphasizing the importance of hunger and desire at this stage in their careers, Shastri remarked, “At 36 and 38, they know their bodies and minds better than anyone else. If they still have the hunger, it will show.”
The statistics underline the severity of the duo’s slump. In the three-match Test series against New Zealand, India suffered an unprecedented 0-3 whitewash at home, exposing vulnerabilities in both technique and temperament. Kohli managed just one century in the series opener and scored a mere 90 runs across the remaining eight innings. Rohit’s performance was even more concerning, with only 31 runs in five innings.
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Although India secured a 3-1 series win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they ultimately conceded the title to Australia after a decade-long dominance. The disappointing performances from two of India’s most reliable batters have fueled calls for introspection and a possible stint in the domestic circuit to regain their edge.
