India’s humiliating defeat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has reignited debates about the leadership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players struggling to perform and one Test remaining, perhaps it’s time for a change at the top.
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s first cricketing icon, has been vocal about his concerns. Ahead of the series, Gavaskar suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, who led India to a commanding victory in the first Test, should continue as captain. Instead, Rohit Sharma took over after missing the opener due to personal reasons. The results since then speak volumes: under Rohit’s leadership, India lost the second Test, narrowly avoided defeat in the third, and collapsed in the fourth.
Statistically, Rohit’s performance has been abysmal. In the fourth Test, he managed scores of just 3 and 9. His struggles extend beyond this series—earlier, India suffered a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand under his captaincy. Critics argue that Rohit should have offered to play under Bumrah, recognizing his poor form and Bumrah’s ability to lead by example.
Virat Kohli’s struggles have also continued, raising questions about his place in the team. Once the backbone of Indian batting, Kohli has failed to deliver when it mattered most. His lacklustre performance in this series underscores the need for introspection and possibly stepping away to make room for emerging talent.
Despite the gloom, the series has seen some silver linings. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a world-class fast bowler, breaking Kapil Dev’s record for most wickets in a Test series. He surpassed 200 wickets mark. Meanwhile, young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy have shown promise. Reddy’s gritty century in the fourth Test salvaged some pride for India, highlighting the potential of the next generation.
The support from the Indian diaspora has been extraordinary. The Boxing Day Test match at Melbourne alone witnessed a staggering 368,000 fans, reminiscent of the days of Don Bradman. Despite this unprecedented backing, the team failed to capitalize, leaving fans disappointed.
India’s cricketing talent pool is immense, with the game revered as a religion. To harness this talent effectively, selectors must make bold decisions. Handing over the captaincy to Bumrah, who has demonstrated leadership potential, could be a step in the right direction. However, Bumrah must also work on his batting to become a more complete leader.
The team’s struggles extend beyond the players. Coach Gautam Gambhir’s tenure has coincided with a period of underperformance, starting with the New Zealand series. Fans and experts alike are questioning his strategies and impact. It may be time for Gambhir to step aside, allowing fresh leadership to reinvigorate the team.
The final Test in Sydney holds slim hopes for India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final. Regardless of the result of Sri Lanka and New Zealand match, Indian cricket stands at a crossroads. The selectors, players, and coaching staff must take responsibility and make tough decisions to pave the way for future success.
It’s clear that clinging to past performances and established names won’t suffice. The focus must shift to nurturing new talent and building a cohesive team that can deliver consistently on the global stage.
