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The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has been a rough ride for Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as their struggles with the bat continue to frustrate fans. The duo’s dismal performance in the fourth Test match against Australia on Monday has reignited discussions about their future in Test cricket, with “Happy Retirement” trending across social media.
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India’s Chase and the Collapse
Set a daunting target of 340 runs in the final innings, India began the day at 228/9 after a brilliant bowling effort by Jasprit Bumrah, who cleaned up Nathan Lyon early in the day. However, India’s response with the bat was less than stellar.
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain started cautiously alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, trying to steady the innings. After facing 40 balls, Rohit was undone by a full-length delivery from Pat Cummins, edging it to slips for just 9 runs.
- Virat Kohli: Kohli followed suit, dismissed for 5 runs after a 29-ball stint, falling prey to a delivery outside the off-stump, a persistent issue in recent years.
With KL Rahul also departing for a duck, the Indian batting lineup faltered, leaving fans exasperated.
The Social Media Backlash
The repeated failures of two of India’s most celebrated cricketers sparked outrage online, with fans calling for their retirement. Social media was abuzz with reactions ranging from disappointment to frustration:
- On Rohit Sharma: “Rohit has given us great memories, but it’s time to move on. The team needs fresh energy,” one fan posted.
- On Virat Kohli: “Kohli is mentally done. Four years of struggling is no joke. #HappyRetirement,” another commented.
Many fans highlighted the contrast between their past glory and current struggles, questioning their place in the Test setup.
Rohit and Kohli’s 2024 Stats
The numbers paint a concerning picture for both players in 2024:
- Rohit Sharma:
- Innings: 26
- Runs: 619
- Average: 24.76
- Virat Kohli:
- Innings: 19
- Runs: 417
- Average: 24.52
For two players who once dominated bowlers globally, these averages are far below their usual standards.
A Legacy Under Question
While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have given Indian cricket countless unforgettable moments, their prolonged dip in form has cast doubts over their future in Test cricket. Fans, though critical, also acknowledge the contributions of these legends, expressing gratitude for their impact while contemplating the need for fresh talent.
The road ahead for Rohit and Kohli remains uncertain, and the cricketing world waits to see how they respond to this challenging phase in their illustrious careers.
