In the highly anticipated third Test match between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, the spotlight once again fell on star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but the results were far from favorable. Both players struggled significantly, accumulating just 29 and 4 runs, respectively, as India faced a dramatic collapse while chasing a modest target of 148 runs.
A Disappointing Performance
Beginning the day at 171/9, New Zealand managed to add only three runs to their score, setting India up with a chase that seemed manageable. However, the Indian batting lineup faltered, raising serious concerns ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This match could have served as a critical confidence booster, but the failures of Rohit and Kohli have left fans and cricket experts deeply worried.
Rohit’s struggles continued from the first innings, where he was dismissed by Glenn Phillips, while Kohli’s ongoing difficulty against left-arm spin was again evident. Their inability to anchor the innings when it mattered most has ignited a wave of criticism from fans on social media.
Social Media Backlash
As the match unfolded, netizens took to various platforms to voice their frustrations. Many called for a fresh approach, suggesting that it might be time for the seasoned duo to step back and allow younger talents like Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran to take their places. Comments flooded in, with one user stating, “Everyone talks about needing T20 specialists, but the same goes for Tests. Rohit & Kohli should consider moving on; their peak may have passed.”
Another fan lamented, “It’s heartbreaking to see these great cricketers fail so badly,” while another added, “The results of prioritizing T20s over domestic and Test cricket are evident.”
Expert Criticism
The dissatisfaction was not limited to fans; former cricketers also weighed in on the dismal performance. Mohammad Kaif criticized Kohli’s form, highlighting his dismissal due to a full toss and his recent run-out mishap. He emphasized the need for a change if India aims to compete effectively in the World Test Championship.
Anil Kumble, former Test captain, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This pattern of repeated failures cannot continue. We had an opportunity with just one wicket down, and then the situation unraveled quickly.” He expressed disbelief over Kohli’s run-out, describing it as an unexpected and preventable error.
The Road Ahead
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming, the Indian team must regroup and address these shortcomings. The upcoming series against Australia will test the team’s mettle and resilience, especially in light of this latest performance. Fans and experts alike hope to see a turnaround from Rohit and Kohli, as both have proven themselves as world-class players in the past.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the question remains: Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bounce back, or will the pressure of expectations lead to further struggles? Only time will tell as India prepares for one of its most challenging series yet.
