Harbhajan Singh Critiques Kohli's Form Amidst India's Batting Woes

India's recent home Test series defeat to New Zealand has sparked intense scrutiny over the form and future of several senior players, including Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma. With the team's top five collapsing in both Tests, including a record low score of 46, questions are being raised about the batting lineup's effectiveness.

Kohli and Rohit, both seasoned players, had opted out of the Duleep Trophy ahead of their first Test series against Bangladesh, and their absence is now being analyzed in the context of their performance. Kohli, in particular, has not lived up to his high standards in Test cricket, managing only two centuries in the past four years—both scored last year. In the five Tests he has played in 2024, he has crossed the fifty-run mark only once.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the situation, stating that while age can be a consideration, it is primarily the team's losses that draw attention to senior players' form. "Look, age is a factor for some in this team, but Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit. Yes, age, fitness, and form matter, but questions arise when you start losing," he commented.

Harbhajan emphasized that no player is irreplaceable in the Indian cricket setup, pointing out that the team has a history of transitioning through great players. “Who said that replacements can't be found? Gavaskar came and went, Tendulkar came and went, we got Kohli, and we will find someone in the future,” he noted, reflecting on the generational changes in the team he experienced alongside young players like Kohli and Rohit during his career.

The former spinner also stressed the importance of providing opportunities to domestic talent. "There is enough talent in domestic cricket, and it's crucial to give players opportunities at the right time," he said. Harbhajan highlighted the paths of Kohli and Rohit, emphasizing that both emerged from domestic cricket and that proper timing in selections can lead to the discovery of future match-winners.

"It took Virat 15 years to become what he is today. We need to recognize talent and have the vision to see that this player, if given a chance, can be a match-winner for a decade," he added. Harbhajan noted that during their playing days, Rohit was recognized as an enormous talent, and the system's support allowed him to flourish despite early inconsistencies.

As the Indian team looks to regroup after the loss, the focus remains on finding a balance between nurturing emerging talent and leveraging the experience of established players like Kohli and Sharma.