Why the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be a make or break series for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli 

All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India prepare to take on Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The high-stakes series will begin on November 22, 2024. This series comes after a disappointing home Test season for two of India's biggest cricketing icons, where both players struggled for form.

From fans to selectors, everyone is left concerned about their future in the longest format. A win in this series is also crucial for India to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, making the series all the more important for the team, particularly for Rohit and Virat.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been instrumental in Indian cricket for over a decade, had an underwhelming home Test season, with both facing criticism for their poor performance against New Zealand and Bangladesh. As India head to Australia, the pressure mounts on these senior players to deliver.

Given that Australia currently hold the WTC title and will be keen to exert their dominance, the upcoming series could be decisive in shaping the careers of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket going forward.

Let us examine why this series could be a make-or-break one for both these players.

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Rohit Sharma: Struggling for consistency

Rohit Sharma, India's current Test captain, had a tough time in the recent home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. His scores in the series against the Kiwis were disappointing, with his best knock being a mere 52. He managed only 133 runs across five Tests with an average of 13.30.

This drop in form is worrying for a player of his caliber, particularly with him being the leader of the team at the moment.

So far in 2024, Rohit's Test average stands at a modest 29.40 across 11 matches, marking his lowest yearly average since he started opening in the format. The upcoming series will test his ability to handle the formidable Australian bowling attack on their home soil, especially as he faces scrutiny over his future in the format.

Many experts believe that this could potentially be one of Rohit Sharma's final opportunities to prove himself once again in Test cricket as selectors look to refresh the squad ahead of the next WTC cycle. If Rohit fails to perform in Australia, the team may consider a long-term replacement, potentially phasing him out of the format.

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Virat Kohli: Battling form and spin woes

Virat Kohli's recent Test performances have also raised several eyebrows. Despite his brilliance over the years, he has struggled in the recent past, especially against spin, a weakness that has repeatedly surfaced time and again.

In the home series against New Zealand, Kohli's scores reflect his struggles, managing only 192 runs at an average of 21.33 across five matches, with his highest score being 70. His overall Test average for the year, a disappointing 22.72, shows a troubling decline in form.

For Kohli, who has been a pillar in Indian cricket, these numbers mark an unexpected low point in his career. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy presents Kohli with a chance to bounce back and silence critics who argue that he is no longer the player he once was.

With his supreme fitness and mental resilience, Kohli has the potential to overcome his recent dip in form. However, if he continues to struggle, particularly against Australia’s bowling attack, it may fuel speculation about his longevity in Test cricket.

While Kohli’s fitness could theoretically allow him to continue in the format, selectors may not ignore prolonged underperformance in a lineup eager for fresh talent.

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The future beyond Australia

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be a career-defining series for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially as selectors look ahead to the next WTC cycle. With potential young replacements waiting such as the likes of Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal among others, the selection committee may be inclined to favor emerging players if the seniors do not deliver in Australia.

The outcome of this series could determine whether the veterans remain part of the squad for future assignments, including a five-match series in England starting in June 2025.

Ultimately, this series is a test of resilience and skill for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They have the experience and talent to make a comeback, but the pressure to perform is undeniable. Should they fall short, India may embark on a transition phase earlier than one would have expected, phasing in younger players to build a team for the future.