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The poor form of senior Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about their future in Test cricket. Both players have struggled to make an impact, with Kohli’s weakness against deliveries outside the off stump and Rohit’s issues with timing and being late on the ball becoming glaringly evident.
Rohit’s decision to drop himself for the final Test in Sydney has only intensified the conversation around their performance, as India gears up for their next Test series in England, a venue notorious for testing batters with swing-friendly conditions.
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Manjrekar’s Recommendation: Play County Cricket
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a solution to help Rohit and Kohli regain their form and confidence: a stint in county cricket. Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar emphasized the importance of addressing their technical and mental challenges before the crucial England series.
Manjrekar on Kohli’s Struggles
“Kohli, with the body of work he has had, his impact and tenacity every time he comes, he’s giving his very best. But all the confidence he had is getting eroded. There’s clearly a technical problem and now a confidence issue as well,” said Manjrekar.
Manjrekar believes Kohli’s troubles with deliveries outside the off stump will persist in England unless he takes proactive steps to adjust his game.
Manjrekar on Rohit’s Future
For Rohit, who has struggled to adapt to challenging conditions, Manjrekar suggested that county cricket would provide invaluable exposure to swinging conditions. “The next series is not going to be easy for Rohit and Virat. But if they intend to continue and the selectors want to back them, I would like to see both of them play county cricket and convince the selectors of their readiness,” he added.
A Crucial Call for the Selectors
With no immediate Test matches for India, the selectors face a pivotal decision regarding the roles of senior players like Rohit and Virat in the Test setup. While retirement is a personal choice, the selectors must decide whether to persist with the experienced duo or look to groom younger talent for the future.
Why County Cricket?
County cricket in England offers a challenging environment that can help players refine their technique against swinging deliveries and gain match practice in high-pressure scenarios. Several Indian players, including Cheteshwar Pujara, have benefited immensely from county stints in the past, making it a viable option for Rohit and Kohli to address their weaknesses.
