The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 was a tough outing for India, as they suffered a 1-3 loss to Australia. During the series, two of India’s biggest cricketing stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, came under intense scrutiny for their underwhelming performances. Together, the pair managed only 221 runs, with Kohli’s solitary century in the first Test standing out amidst a series of disappointing innings. Despite these struggles, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has come out in strong support of the duo, urging fans and critics to be more understanding of their past achievements.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Critics’ Focus
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are widely regarded as two of the finest modern-day cricketers, but their performances in the BGT 2024-25 series raised concerns. Virat Kohli, despite his century in Perth, was dismissed for poor shot selection in the following eight innings. His struggles to counter deliveries outside the off-stump were evident, and his lack of consistency became a talking point. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma faced a particularly difficult time, with an average barely above six. His decision to drop himself from the final Test only added to the growing criticism of his form.
Rohit’s absence in the first Test and subsequent poor showings, managing just 31 runs in the remaining three Tests, led to further questions about his place in the team. Kohli and Rohit’s lack of impact in key moments contributed to India’s disappointing series result.
Yuvraj Singh Backs Kohli and Sharma
In the wake of the widespread criticism, Yuvraj Singh, a key player in India’s three ICC title victories, stepped forward to defend the two stalwarts. In an interview with PTI, Yuvraj emphasized that the pressure on Kohli and Rohit should be put into perspective, considering their immense contributions to Indian cricket over the years. He pointed out that while the duo may not have performed well in this series, they have a history of excellence that cannot be overlooked.
“We are talking about our greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and saying very bad things about them,” Yuvraj remarked. “People forget what they have achieved in the past. They are among the greatest cricketers of this era. They are hurting more than any of us. Let’s give them the respect they deserve.”
BGT Loss: A Setback, but Not the End
Yuvraj also noted that while India’s loss in the BGT 2024-25 was disappointing, it should not overshadow the remarkable achievements these players have brought to the table. India’s record in Australia, with back-to-back series wins on Australian soil, remains a significant achievement, and this loss doesn’t take away from that legacy. He acknowledged that Australia’s dominance over the years, coupled with their exceptional cricketing standards, made the task of defeating them even more daunting.
“The loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is still acceptable,” Yuvraj said. “India has won in Australia twice already. And while this time they lost, Australia has been a dominant side for many years. It’s not easy to beat them.”
The Bigger Blow: Losing to New Zealand at Home
Yuvraj, however, pointed out that the 0-3 loss to New Zealand earlier in the WTC cycle had a more significant impact on Indian cricket than their BGT loss. “Losing to New Zealand at home was far more hurting,” he added. “A whitewash at home is simply unacceptable. That defeat had much more weight than losing to Australia.”
This home loss to New Zealand put a serious dent in India’s hopes of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India was in a strong position to qualify, having secured a 2-0 win over Bangladesh, but the loss to New Zealand, coupled with South Africa’s remarkable run, saw India slip out of the race.
India’s Path Ahead: Learning from Setbacks
Despite the challenges, Yuvraj believes that India’s cricketing future remains bright. India has shown resilience in bouncing back from tough series losses, and with a talented pool of players, they will look to regain their momentum.
“The road to recovery is long, but India has a deep pool of talent,” Yuvraj said. “The focus should now be on learning from these setbacks and continuing to build a team that can consistently challenge for the highest honors.”
Conclusion: Respect for Past Achievements
As the debate around Kohli and Rohit’s performances in the BGT 2024-25 continues, it’s important to remember the context. Both players have had significant contributions to Indian cricket, and their legacy is built on years of excellence. While the BGT 2024-25 series may have been a setback, it doesn’t diminish their stature as two of the game’s greats.
Yuvraj Singh’s comments serve as a reminder to cricket fans and critics alike: While accountability and performance matter, so too does the recognition of the incredible achievements these players have delivered for India over the years.
