Australia Tests Could Define Futures of Kohli and Rohit: Sunil Gavaskar Issues Stern Warning

Gavaskar’s Perspective

In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar expressed his concern over the team’s current situation, emphasizing that young players are ready to take over if the seniors fail to deliver. “I think it could be a tour which could decide a lot of futures,” Gavaskar stated. He pointed out that Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin are at critical junctures in their careers, and the Australia series might be their final opportunity to prove their worth.

The legendary cricketer further stressed the importance of addressing these issues during the series itself. “They are at an age and stage in their careers where the second rung of players will be looking for opportunities,” Gavaskar added.

Looming Phaseout Policy

Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a structured phaseout plan for senior players before the start of the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), informal discussions among BCCI officials, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and skipper Rohit Sharma could take place soon to chart a way forward for the aging team.

Potential Last Hurrah for Seniors

The five-match Test series against Australia, beginning later this month, might serve as a farewell tour for at least two of the four veterans: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. A senior BCCI source hinted at significant changes depending on the team's performance in Australia.

"If India fails to qualify for the WTC final in England, one can rest assured that all four super seniors won't be on that flight to the UK for the five-Test series," the source stated. It’s also speculated that the recent 0-3 series loss against New Zealand has marked the end of these players appearing together in a home Test series.

BCCI’s Evaluation Post-Australia Series

With the squad for the Australia series already announced and no immediate changes expected, the series becomes a crucial platform for the senior players to redeem themselves. "Stocks will be taken, certainly, and it could be of an informal nature since the team leaves for Australia on November 10,” the BCCI source explained.

However, if India fails to deliver in the upcoming series, drastic decisions may follow, potentially marking the end of illustrious Test careers for some senior players.

The Australia tour will serve as a litmus test for India’s aging stars. With Gavaskar’s warning and the BCCI’s phaseout policy looming in the background, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Jadeja. As the cricketing world watches, the performances in this crucial series might well define the next chapter of Indian Test cricket.