Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised doubts over the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Vaughan said that Virat and Rohit will be crucial for the Indian cricket team to secure victory in the Australia series.
India are currently under a lot of pressure after their disappointing 0-3 loss at home to New Zealand. Virat and Rohit’s poor form in Test cricket is one of their major concerns. The veteran cricketers averaged under 16 during the recently concluded home test series against New Zealand.
India Will Claim To Win In Australia – Michael Vaughan
Speaking to Fox Cricket during the first Australia-Pakistan ODI, Michael Vaughan said Virat and Rohit Sharma will need to be at their best against Australia, but added that they could be past their peak. Vaughan highlighted the challenge of facing Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
“All India will need to win in Australia is for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to get big runs and get back to their best. I hope they will, I’m afraid they won’t,” Vaughan said.
“I’m afraid they might just be out and when you’re facing the greatest player to ever play the game in their own backyard against the Australian attack, you have to come here with solid technique and you have to come with an amazing mindset,” he added.
There is real concern around Virat Kohli – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan says Virat Kohli is currently struggling with his form, adding that he missed a full toss against Mitchell Santner during the New Zealand series. The former cricketer turned commentator noted that Kohli’s absence was not felt when India beat Australia at the Gabba.
“I mean the last series they won, they didn’t have Virat Kohli at the Gabba to chase down that target. Australia hadn’t lost a Test match at the Gabba in 32 years, but I will say there’s real anxiety around Kohli. He runs to Mitchell Santner, that , not Virat Kohli, you’re just looking at a player struggling (for form),” Vaughan said.
Kohli has an impressive record in Test matches in Australia
Virat missed the England Tests earlier this year. After returning to Test cricket against Bangladesh and New Zealand, he averaged 22 in the last outings. However, the 36-year-old batsman has an impressive record in Australia with 1,352 runs including six centuries at an average of 54.08.
The Rohit Sharma-led team will begin the five-match Test series against Australia on November 22 in Perth. There is growing speculation about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket if they fail to perform with the bat during the upcoming series, especially as they are 36 and 37 respectively.
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