Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a blunt assessment of India’s transition phase, suggesting that the retirements of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while significant in stature, haven’t been major losses in terms of recent performance. According to Manjrekar, Rohit had averaged just 10 in his last two Test series, while Kohli’s average stood at 30 over the past five years—a notable dip for players of their calibre.
“They weren’t easy to replace, but it’s not like India lost a lot of recent contributions,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Sony Sports. “It was a loss of seniority, not of form or impact.”
In their absence, India’s new generation has stepped up. Shubman Gill, now India’s Test captain, has led from the front. His century in the drawn Manchester Test, paired with an earlier match-winning knock in Birmingham, has helped India stay competitive in a tightly-contested series.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir Defends Shubman Gill, Slams Critics After Captain’s Gritty Century In Manchester
Former England batter Jonathan Trott also weighed in, admitting that had England lost key figures like Joe Root in similar circumstances, their side might not have coped as well. “India have given a great account of themselves,” Trott said. “It would’ve been a very different story if the tables were turned.”
India’s comeback at Old Trafford, after conceding a massive 311-run lead and losing both openers for ducks in the second innings, was nothing short of remarkable. Shubman Gill (103), KL Rahul (90), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Washington Sundar (101*) displayed grit and discipline to grind out a draw and keep the series alive heading into the final Test.
ALSO READ: Ben Stokes Slams Injury Replacement Debate, Calls It A “Ridiculous Conversation”
Even after losing Gill and Rahul early on Day 5 to the fiery duo of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, Jadeja and Sundar showed maturity and patience, gradually turning the tide in India’s favour. Their unbeaten stand not only saved the match but also reaffirmed India’s depth and resilience in the post-Rohit-Kohli era.
