New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The fallout from India's defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia has rekindled discussions regarding the Test careers of seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both batsmen have been criticized for their underwhelming results, yet former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed strong views on the need to differentiate their contributions to Test cricket.
Manjrekar emphasized that Virat Kohli should be afforded more latitude than Rohit Sharma due to his status as a modern Test legend.
"I must assert there is no comparison between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Test batsmen. Virat Kohli ranks among the elite. He is an exceptional Test batsman, while Rohit Sharma is a competent one. Rohit's white-ball achievements are notable. Therefore, Virat Kohli undoubtedly deserves a longer rope. It's not merely about Virat Kohli. I'm curious about what the batting coach of India is doing. We can't seem to resolve the evident issues of such a talented player," Manjrekar stated on Star Sports.
Kohli’s Test journey, covering 122 matches, has resulted in 9,207 runs, including 30 centuries. He is India's most successful Test captain, having led the team to historic victories, including overseas series wins in Australia. In contrast, Rohit has participated in 67 Tests, accumulating 4,302 runs. Although his Test career features memorable innings, it is overshadowed by his unrivaled success in white-ball cricket.
Rohit Sharma has encountered a rough patch as a Test batsman and captain in recent times. His performance in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been dismal, managing only 31 runs in five innings at a shocking average of 6.20, the lowest for a visiting captain in a Test series in Australia.
The Boxing Day Test further added to Rohit's struggles as he scored just 9 runs off 40 balls while chasing 340 on the final day. The Indian captain has tallied only 164 runs in Test cricket since September, averaging a little over 10.
Manjrekar was candid in evaluating Rohit's status. "It isn't solely Rohit Sharma's decision. The selection protocol and hierarchy dictate that the chairman of selectors has the authority to make critical decisions. They are responsible for what is best for Indian cricket, so it's not just about Rohit Sharma deciding the future. The chairman has that responsibility. Rohit is currently struggling. Virat Kohli is a completely different matter," Manjrekar elaborated.
In contrast, Virat Kohli has had moments of brilliance, highlighted by a century in the series opener in Perth, which briefly silenced critics following a disappointing stretch during the home series against New Zealand. Nevertheless, consistency remains a concern, with scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in his last five innings.
Manjrekar underscored the necessity of addressing Kohli’s situation differently. "Sufficient discussion has occurred about Virat. He’s an outstanding player in a challenging phase. We should allow him space to navigate through his difficulties. This isn't solely about Kohli’s form; it's also about how the team management and batting coach are tackling these challenges," he remarked.
The contrasting performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have ignited discussions regarding their futures in Test cricket. With India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final hanging in the balance, the upcoming fifth Test in Sydney will be crucial.
