Chris Gayle Comes to the Defence of Kohli, Rohit Even in the Face of Test Failure

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has come out in defence of Indian batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are gaining media attention over their recent failure in Tests. While speaking on the occasion of the launch of season two of the Pro Cricket League, Gayle gave voice to his viewpoint that the two cricketers have so much to give cricket, especially Test cricket. Gayle, who will be representing the Ghaziabad Bhawani Tigers in the league, said it would be wonderful for cricket if Kohli and Rohit keep playing as long as they can. He stated that even with their present problems, they are assets to the game, he stating, "The longer they are around, the better it is for the cricketing world."

India's England tour in the future will be a big series for the team, particularly because it would mark the start of their campaign in the cycle of the World Test Championship between 2025-2027. But one of the serious concerns for India is the kind of form its star batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are showing. These two players have been underperforming in the recent past, and everyone has asked themselves whether these players still had a place in the Test squad.

The most disappointing performance in the 2024-2025 Test series was that of Rohit Sharma. In eight games and 15 innings, he managed to score only 164 runs at a dismal average of 10.93, his best score being 52. Virat Kohli's decline has been going on for a bit longer. Averaging a paltry 30.72 in 39 Tests since January 2020, he has scored only 2,028 runs with a pathetic three centuries and nine half-centuries. This sudden decline in form has raised doubts about their capacity to play at the top level.

Gayle, however, called on the two veteran players not to be dropped from the team in a rush. Those were facts of life: "Of course they are still playing. Those players still have so much cricket left in them. Don't phase them out. The game is in need of those blokes as much as possible." Gayle then proceeded to add that although the young talent will come in regardless, it's important to have vets like Rohit and Kohli around as much as humanly possible. He feels that their experience and skill are still vital to the team and to cricket globally.

Even though Kohli and Rohit have been facing problems, Gayle feels that they can still save the day. His statement is a reflection of his admiration for their ability to come through in times of need, and he feels that their inclusion in the team is still important. His backing is a testament to the importance of experience and mental toughness in the sport of cricket, particularly in players who have been able to remain at the pinnacle of their sport for as long as he has.

With India gearing up for their five-match Test series in England, Kohli and Rohit's performances will determine the success of the team. Their recent failures, however, may put additional pressure on them, with most wondering if they should be left out of the next series. Gayle's take is another angle, with a recommendation that the side continue to use their experience while giving them the time they require to regain their fitness.

At the same time, Gayle made headlines for his comments on the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking about the team's performance of his former-IPL franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Gayle said of being thrilled with the excellent beginning of the season by the team. Gayle complimented the team's young captain, Rajat Patidar, as a good leader and told him that he was a "young, positive" man in the team. Gayle wishes that RCB keeps performing well and makes it to the finals this year.

Gayle also had some kind words for West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran, who has overwhelmed the IPL with some fantastic performances. Pooran, on behalf of Lucknow Super Giants, is leading the Orange Cap list with 349 runs from six matches with a massive average of 69.80 and more than 215 strike rate. Gayle has long referred to Pooran as the greatest T20 batsman in the world, calling him for scoring big at a faster rate. Pooran's performance has been top-class, and Gayle regards him as one of the key men to look out for West Indies cricket.

Gayle also did not miss complimenting Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma, whose 141 off 55 balls in a recent match was unbelievable performance. Sharma's inning pushed Hyderabad to chase a difficult target presented by Punjab Kings. Gayle was surprised by Sharma's big hitting technique, labeling it as "fantastic" to see such a massive hitting innings in the IPL.

In all, Chris Gayle's words best describe his thorough knowledge of the game and respect for young and old players alike. His trust in Kohli and Rohit's skills and his eagerness towards emerging stars such as Pooran and Sharma indicate that he does appreciate experience and new talent in the game of cricket. As India is set to tour England, Gayle's statement can be a morale booster for the veteran players as they are reminded that their contribution to the game is still greatly appreciated.