Ian Chappell Highlights Age Concerns for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Chappell stated that both Kohli and Rohit may be feeling the pressure of their advancing age, particularly as discussions about their future intensify among fans and analysts alike. "Are we getting to that age where it all starts to go downhill?"
As India prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, cricket legend Ian Chappell has brought attention to the aging status of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With recent struggles in form and performance, particularly highlighted by a disappointing loss to New Zealand, there are concerns surrounding the capabilities of India's batting stalwarts as they face a formidable challenge on Australian soil.
Chappell stated that both Kohli and Rohit may be feeling the pressure of their advancing age, particularly as discussions about their future intensify among fans and analysts alike. "Are we getting to that age where it all starts to go downhill?" Chappell pondered during a discussion on World Wide Sports. He emphasized that the duo's performance on quicker, bouncier pitches in Australia could be crucial for their resurgence.
The former Australian captain noted the presence of younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who show promise but have placed additional pressure on Kohli and Rohit to perform. With the team's batting order in flux, the weight of expectations on the veteran players is magnified, and their struggles could potentially hinder the team's overall success.
Chappell's concerns were echoed by Mark Taylor, another former Australian captain, who pointed out India's overreliance on Kohli and Rohit. Taylor remarked that the senior players' inability to consistently score has added strain on the younger players and the lower order, which includes the likes of Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin. He stressed the need for Kohli and Rohit to rediscover their form and contribute significantly to the team's run totals.
The two players, once deemed indispensable to India's batting lineup, are at a critical juncture in their careers. With discussions swirling around their performances, the upcoming series presents a pivotal opportunity for both to demonstrate that they can still be the leading forces in the team. As they head into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if they can rise to the occasion and silence the critics.
