BCCI to Reassess Futures of Senior Players Following Disappointing Series
As India looks ahead, the team needs to secure a 4-0 victory in Australia to guarantee their place in the WTC final. However, this goal appears daunting given the recent performances.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to make significant decisions regarding the futures of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin after India's disappointing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand. As the team prepares for an upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, there are speculations that this may be the last series for at least two of these senior players, who are approaching the twilight of their international careers.
The BCCI is reportedly evaluating the team's performance in light of the recent failures, with an eye toward implementing a structured phase-out policy as they gear up for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. "Look, I don't think we can look that far ahead. It's important to focus on the next series, which is Australia," Rohit said in response to questions about the team's future and the limited time remaining in his captaincy. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on the upcoming series rather than dwelling on the past.
In the wake of the series debacle, informal discussions are expected to take place among BCCI officials, including chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma, to chart a course for the aging team. While there won't be any changes to the squad for the Australia series, the BCCI is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2011 scenario when the Indian team struggled due to an ageing roster.
As India looks ahead, the team needs to secure a 4-0 victory in Australia to guarantee their place in the WTC final. However, this goal appears daunting given the recent performances. If India fails to qualify, it's likely that the futures of all four senior players will be reevaluated, particularly since they have likely played their last Tests together at home.
The BCCI is looking to avoid a scenario where they find themselves relying on an ageing team that is no longer competitive. They are expected to consider emerging players like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, who seem ready to make their mark on the international stage.
In terms of individual performances, Rohit Sharma's recent statistics show he has scored 1,210 runs in 35 home innings at an average of 37.81 since February 2021, but his form has dipped significantly, with several low scores in recent matches. Similarly, Virat Kohli has struggled, averaging 30.91 over 25 innings with only one century during that time.
While Kohli's fitness may allow him to continue despite his recent poor form, Rohit's future beyond the current World Test Championship cycle seems uncertain. The leadership for the future is also a concern, with Jasprit Bumrah named vice-captain, but questions remain about his long-term viability due to workload management issues.
As India prepares for the crucial series against Australia, all eyes will be on how the senior players perform and what decisions the BCCI makes regarding their futures in the national team.
