As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gear up for one of the most crucial challenges of their careers in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, former Indian coach Greg Chappell believes that the two Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the potential to rekindle the focus and hunger of their younger days to deliver on the world stage.
Chappell, reflecting on the psychological and physical demands placed on ageing players, shared insights into the unique challenges faced by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He recalled a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, who had asked why batting seemed to get harder with age.
Virat Kohli’s struggle with form in recent times a big worry for India ahead of BGT 2024-25
The upcoming series arrives at a pivotal moment in the careers of both Virat Kohli and Rohit. After a poor run against New Zealand, Kohli’s Test average has dropped to 47.83, his lowest since 2016, and he has now slipped out of the top 20 in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.
Meanwhile, Rohit, India’s Test captain, has also seen a decline in form, slipping to 26th in the rankings. Chappell believes that both players must confront their own vulnerabilities, sharpened by age, as they head into this high-stakes series.
For Virat Kohli, the series offers a chance at personal redemption. Known for his intensity and unparalleled work ethic, he has struggled with form over the past year, and his recent numbers suggest he is far from his peak.
Virat Kohli slipped out of the top 20 in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Rankings for the first time since 2014 after his flop show in the home series against New Zealand which India shockingly lost 0-3. Virat Kohli managed just 93 runs and looked susceptible against New Zealand spinners, who ran riot on spin-friendly pitches in Mumbai in Pune.
Greg Chappell highlighted Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket in the recent past and said that the lean patch would have definitely annoyed the former captain. The former India coach said Virat Kohli needs to combine his unmatched intensity with patience and focus as he looks to hit a purple patch in the five-Test series, starting November 22 in Australia.
Greg Chappell shares his opinion on Virat Kohli’s form ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Legendary Australian cricketer Greg Chappell reckons Virat Kohli will be hungry to reiterate his authority in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series after a lean run in Tests. Chappell believes the five-Test series will be a stern examination for Steve Smith and Rohit Sharma as well.
Virat Kohli had a torrid run in the recent home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, aggregating just 93 runs in six innings. However, he has been backed to do well Down Under due to his record in that part of the world.
Writing in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell said he expects Virat Kohli’s aggressive mindset to come to the fore along with patience and focus.
“For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation,” he wrote.
“Known for his unmatched intensity, passion and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him. The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation.”
The 76-year-old also broke down Rohit Sharma’s challenges, mentioning that he will need to juggle the captaincy responsibilities along with scoring runs.
“As this heavyweight clash approaches, each player will search for the mental state that fueled their peak performances. For Sharma, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive,” Chappell wrote.
Rohit came under fire after a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand, India’s first at home since 2012. He also played some reckless shots throughout the series against the Black Caps, registering 91 runs in six innings. Each player knows the scrutiny they’re under, with opposition teams having dissected their techniques and identified weaknesses. Players like Steve Smith, Rohit and Kohli have been thoroughly analyzed, with the smallest chinks in their armor ready to be tested by Australia and Indian bowlers.
“This series will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill,” Chappell wrote.
“Sharma, Kohli, and Smith know their opponents have scrutinized their techniques and developed specific strategies to exploit their weaknesses.”
“This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies. Each of these players is more than just a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the grit and skill that define our game.”
Virat Kohli has averaged 22.72 over six Tests in 2024, but he will take confidence from his sensational record Down Under – 1352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08. The first Test between Australia and India begins on November 22 in Perth.