I Fear Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Won’t Get Runs in Australia Either: Michael Vaughan Pulls Down Indian Batting Stalwarts

06 NOV

India’s Struggles Leading to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s upcoming series in Australia comes on the heels of a disappointing 3-0 home series defeat against New Zealand. One of the major issues during that series was the batting lineup's inability to counter the Kiwi spinners effectively. This raised concerns about India’s preparedness for the Australian bowling attack, which is considered one of the most formidable in the world.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are central figures in the Indian batting lineup, had a particularly rough outing. Rohit managed just 91 runs across six innings, while Kohli marginally bettered him with 93 runs. These statistics reflect a worrying trend for India, especially as they head into a challenging series away from home.

Vaughan’s Take on India’s Senior Batters

Vaughan did not hold back in his critique, emphasizing that India’s chances of success in Australia heavily depend on the performances of their two batting stalwarts. “The one thing that India are going to require to win here in Australia is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli getting big runs and getting back to their best. I hope they do, but I fear they won’t,” he stated.

The former England skipper also alluded to the age factor, hinting that both players might be past their peak. “I fear that they might just be over the edge. When you face an Australian attack that ranks among the greatest ever to play the game in their own backyard, you need a solid technique and an incredible mentality to succeed,” Vaughan added.

Concerns About Kohli’s Form

Vaughan was particularly vocal about Kohli’s struggles, citing his uncharacteristic dismissal against New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner as an example. Kohli missed a full toss, a rare lapse for a batter of his caliber, which Vaughan interpreted as a sign of a deeper struggle. “That’s not Virat Kohli. You’re looking at a player who is fighting for form at the moment,” he remarked.

Kohli’s Test statistics over the past five years paint a concerning picture. With an average of just 33 during this period, he has fallen short compared to his peers in the celebrated “Fab Four” of Test cricket and even against his Indian teammates. This decline is a far cry from Kohli’s stellar performances on Australian soil in previous tours, where he established himself as one of the world’s premier batters.

India’s Previous Success in Australia

India’s triumph in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was historic, particularly as it came without Kohli’s contribution after the first Test. The team managed to breach the Gabba fortress, where Australia had not lost a Test match in 32 years. Vaughan acknowledged this feat, noting the collective effort from the Indian team.

“Last series, they won without Virat Kohli. Australia hadn’t lost a Test match at the Gabba in 32 years. It was a combination of excellent bowling and contributions from the entire batting lineup,” Vaughan observed.

However, he cautioned that replicating such a performance would be far more challenging without significant contributions from their senior players. Both Kohli and Rohit will need to step up against the potent Australian bowling attack if India hopes to achieve similar success.

The Road Ahead

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Kohli and Rohit face immense pressure to deliver. For Kohli, this series could be a chance to regain his form and prove his critics wrong. His previous Australian tours showcased his ability to dominate in challenging conditions, and fans will be hoping he can recapture that magic.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who has often faced criticism for his inconsistency in overseas Tests, has an opportunity to silence his detractors by producing solid performances. The onus is on both batters to lead India’s charge and provide the stability needed to combat Australia’s lethal bowling lineup.

Michael Vaughan’s comments underscore the challenges that lie ahead for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The struggles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in recent matches have raised questions about their ability to perform in Australian conditions. With an intimidating Australian bowling attack awaiting them, India’s senior batters will need to rise to the occasion to keep their team’s hopes alive. For Kohli and Rohit, this series is not just about winning matches—it’s about reaffirming their status as world-class batters.