3 times Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both failed with the bat in a SENA Test ft. BGT 2024-25 in Adelaide

Arguably two of India's greatest players ever, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have led India to numerous victories across all three formats over the years. However, 2024, the year they won the T20 World Cup, has seen a dip in their form, particularly in Test cricket.

Rohit has featured in 12 Tests this year, accumulating 597 runs at a modest average of 27.13, including two fifties and two centuries. On the other hand, Kohli has played in eight Tests, amassing 373 runs at an average of 26.64, with one century and one fifty.

While both have produced remarkable innings in SENA countries, there have been instances when they failed to meet expectations, with the most recent being in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

On that note, let's look at three occasions when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both failed with the bat in a SENA Test.

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#1 Against Australia in Brisbane, 2014

In the second Test of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba in Brisbane, India won the toss and chose to bat first. The visitors posted 408 runs in their first innings, thanks to brilliant contributions from Murali Vijay (144) and Ajinkya Rahane (81). However, both Rohit Sharma (32) and Virat Kohli (19) got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

In reply, Australia put up 505 runs, with Steven Smith leading the charge with a superb knock of 133 runs. In India's second innings, their top three—Vijay (27), Shikhar Dhawan (81), and Cheteshwar Pujara (43)—made solid contributions. However, the middle order collapsed, with Kohli (1) and Rohit (0) dismissed cheaply as India were bowled out for 224.

Chasing a target of 128, Australia won the match by four wickets.

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#2 Against South Africa in Cape Town, 2018

In 2018, India faced South Africa in the first Test of a three-match series in Cape Town. Half-centuries from AB de Villiers (65) and Faf du Plessis (62) helped the hosts post 286 in their first innings.

In response, India managed just 209 runs, with Hardik Pandya leading the charge with a score of 93. However, both Virat Kohli (5) and Rohit Sharma (11), along with the rest of the batting lineup, failed to contribute significantly.

Indian bowlers impressed in the second innings, dismissing the Proteas for just 130, setting a target of 209 runs. However, the Indian batting lineup faltered once again as they were bowled out for 135, with Kohli (28) and Rohit (10) falling cheaply. South Africa won the match by 72 runs.

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#3 Against Australia in Adelaide, 2024

The most recent failure of the veteran duo came in the second (pink-ball) Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. India won the toss and chose to bat first, but the visitors struggled, getting bowled out for just 180. Both Virat Kohli (7) and Rohit Sharma (3) were unable to make significant contributions.

In response, Travis Head's 140 helped Australia post 337 runs. India once again collapsed in their second innings, being dismissed for 175, with Kohli (11) and Rohit (6) failing to deliver. Australia chased down the modest target of 19 runs to win by 10 wickets.