Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced criticism on Monday following India’s 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand, with many observers citing the team’s ageing roster and lack of confidence.
India lost the third Test in Mumbai by 25 runs, marking only their second home series whitewash. With a five-match Test series against Australia starting on November 22, there is little time for recovery.
“Losing 3-0 at home is a tough pill to swallow, and it calls for introspection,” former captain Sachin Tendulkar stated on social media. He questioned whether the loss stemmed from a lack of preparation, poor shot selection, or insufficient match practice.
Entering the series ranked second in the ICC Test standings, India was seen as the favourite. However, alarm bells rang when they suffered a batting collapse in the first Test, posting just 46 runs in their first innings. The situation didn’t improve much thereafter.
“I accept that we were not good enough with the bat throughout the series,” admitted skipper Rohit. The Indian batsmen particularly struggled against spin on home turf, with Mitchell Santner claiming 13 wickets in the second Test and Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel taking 11 in the third.
As India prepares to face Australia, the form of 37-year-old Rohit and 35-year-old Kohli raises concerns among fans. Rohit accumulated just 91 runs across three matches, while Kohli managed only 93.
The Times of India noted, “This is now a team in transition with key figures ageing, out of form, and low on confidence.” The publication further remarked that Rohit and Kohli appear to be in a “state of terminal batting decline,” expressing frustration at their reluctance to improve their game through domestic cricket.
Reports indicate that senior players, including Rohit and Kohli, were advised to participate in domestic Duleep Trophy matches for practice but declined due to a “lack of motivation.” Former captain Sunil Gavaskar commented, “They should have had some practice, definitely.” He added that, while India had recently defeated Bangladesh, New Zealand posed a tougher challenge, with players familiar with Indian conditions through their IPL experience.
Critics have also noted that senior players like spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 38, and Ravindra Jadeja, 35, appear to be showing signs of age.