Day 2 of the second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval saw Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma falter yet again, leaving fans disheartened and questioning their form. As the game progressed, India found themselves in trouble, with both senior players failing to rise to the occasion in a pivotal moment.

Virat Kohli walked to the crease early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s departure but seemed far from comfortable against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Scott Boland, in particular, posed a relentless challenge to Kohli. The star batter defended doggedly and took quick singles, but the threat was evident with each delivery that beat his bat.

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Scott Boland eventually delivered a gem—a full ball on the fourth or fifth stump line that tempted Kohli into a forward defence. The ball held its line, kissed the outside edge, and was safely pouched by Alex Carey behind the stumps. Kohli’s brief stay ended at 11 runs off 21 balls, a second disappointment following his first-innings score of just seven.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, walked in with the responsibility of steadying the ship. The expectations were immense, but Rohit, like Kohli, looked uneasy at the crease. Though he displayed a trademark elegant drive, his innings were short-lived. Pat Cummins bowled an unplayable delivery that clipped the top of the off-stump, sending Rohit back for six runs off 15 balls. With the loss of their two most experienced players, India slumped to 66/3, staring at a mounting deficit.

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Fans on Twitter were quick to express their frustration, with some calling for drastic changes, including potential retirements. Criticism poured in, not just for Kohli and Rohit’s lackluster performances but also for India’s inability to counter Australia’s relentless bowling.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hangs in the balance, India’s reliance on their senior players is evident. However, their failures in crucial moments are becoming a growing concern, sparking debates among fans and cricket pundits alike.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should retire now from test cricket as well

— Dr Dilrooba Mrunal ka Pati Parody (@jcbOFlarity) December 7, 2024

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must be playing their last test series. Honestly can’t trust these so called senior and superstar batsman to score even a single run in challenging test cricket these days. Totally feel disconnect.

Time for india to build a young team and throw these… pic.twitter.com/cYXwjBW1DD

— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) December 7, 2024