Do Virat Kohli and Rohit Have a Future in Test Cricket? Gambhir Weighs In

The future of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket has come under the scanner after India's loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Rohit has voluntarily stepped aside in the final Test, Kohli is facing a prolonged slump and has left the fans and critics wondering if the duo will be a part of India's Test squad.

Gambhir's Perspective-Hunger and Passion as Determinant

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was present at a press conference post-series, where he chose not to speculate on the futures of players but highlighted the passion and resilience of the youngsters. "I can't predict the future of any player," Gambhir said. "It all depends on them. They still have the hunger and passion, and they are tough men. Hopefully, they will go on to help Indian cricket further. Their decisions would only be for the good of the team."

This is what Gambhir said of himself when his cricketing form had gone out of the window and he was fighting to survive in the Indian team in the last years of his career.

Rohit Sharma-Struggling With a Slowing Stretch

The skipper's recent run has sent alarm bells ringing. He averaged an abysmal 10.93 in the last eight Tests. His solitary fifty-plus knock in this block shows he was failing to click. Speaking about his fifth Test absence, Rohit said on Star Sports, "It was a difficult but prudent choice. Carrying so many out-of-form batsmen made it tougher for the side to win.

Despite stepping aside, Rohit dismissed retirement rumors. With no Test matches scheduled until June 2025, when India tours England, the 38-year-old has time to reassess his Test career trajectory.

Kohli’s Struggles-A Battle with the Outside Edge

Virat Kohli, known for his unparalleled dominance in international cricket, finds himself battling a recurring vulnerability outside the off-stump. In Perth, Kohli hit an unbeaten hundred. Still, the man was bowled eight times in the series chasing deliveries that sailed outside his off-stump. He is usually caught either by slip fielders or the wicketkeeper. Visible frustration and the hunger to come out of this slump stand evident in him. Once after getting dismissed at Sydney, he even yelled at himself and punched his leg - something that only comes out very rarely from such an experienced batman.

Former cricketer turned analyst Manjrekar summed up Kohli's struggles aptly: "He seems to have run out of scoring options."

Gambhir's Call for Fairness and Commitment

Being a coach, Gambhir said that individual contribution is crucial and there should be fairness in the selection of the team. "It is not about one or two players; it's about the team moving forward," he said. "My job is to ensure fairness to every player, whether they have played 100 Tests or are yet to debut."

Gambhir also emphasized that domestic cricket needs to be done, and asked all players to play in Ranji Trophy unless tied up by other commitments. "Domestic cricket is key for red-ball success. If the players don't prioritize it, then finding good talent for Test cricket becomes a task."

Road Ahead for Indian Cricket

India's next Test assignment is a five-match series against England in June 2025. That will be when Rohit will be 38, and Kohli will be closing in on 37. While age is just a number for some players, it often becomes the source of debates for longevity and fitness in international cricket. When asked about investment in younger players, Gambhir said, "It's too early to talk about that. We have five months to prepare and see what we are up to. So much can happen in that duration, including changes in forms, attitudes, and strategies."

India will concentrate on white-ball cricket, playing a T20I and ODI series against England in early 2025, followed by the Champions Trophy in the UAE. Players not selected for these two squads will get a chance to play in the Ranji Trophy, which resumes on January 23. According to Gambhir, this is the make-or-break time for Test aspirants. "If you are available and committed to red-ball cricket, playing domestic matches is a must," he said.

Balancing Experience with Transition

In the absence of Tests till mid-2025, this golden opportunity is being given to the Indian team to balance nurturing fresh talent and availing the service of stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli. Gambhir's comments themselves underline this double-edged sword: "In the end, it will continue to be for what works for Indian cricket, really," he said.

On the other hand, regarding the possible retirements from international cricket, there is one thing that cannot be debated on-the level of hunger and passion they provide on the cricketing field today remains unabated. Whether this can be made possible by either Rohit and Kohli into an extended period of Test matches remains to be seen. At the moment, India stands at the crossroads, looking for the experience combined with the strength of the young generation to take the game into the bright future.