New Delhi. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) will evaluate the 0-3 whitewash in the three-match series against New Zealand and after the team’s Australia tour, the career of some veteran players may end in this format. BCCI is planning to phase out experienced players in a phased manner before the start of the next cycle of WTC (World Test Championship).
There is a high possibility that the five-match Test series against Australia could be the last for at least two of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. These four players are in the last stages of their international career.
When Rohit was asked about his views about India’s Test future, he said, “Look, I don’t think we can think that far ahead. It is important to focus on the next series, which is Australia.” He said, “I am not looking beyond the Australia series. The series against Australia is very, very important for us. Instead of thinking about what happens after this, we will try to focus on that.” There may be informal discussions between BCCI stalwarts and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit about the team’s progress with aging players.
A senior BCCI official said on the condition of confidentiality, “It will definitely be assessed and it may be informal as the team will leave for Australia on November 10.” It is a big defeat but the Australia series is around the corner and the team has already been announced, so there will be no tinkering right now.” He said, “If India does not qualify for the WTC final to be played in England, then there will be a strong possibility that some of these four names will not be in the five-match series against England. These four probably on home ground? Have played our last Test match together.” It is understood that the BCCI wants to avoid a repeat of the 2011 story when there was a huge decline in the team’s performance.
The board selectors, especially chairman Agarkar and head coach Gambhir, will need to talk to the veteran cricketers about the plan. The race for the Indian team to qualify for the WTC final is still on. If the team fails to do so, then its campaign in the next WTC cycle will start with a five-match Test series on the England tour. It will start from June 20.
The selection committee may be forced to consider long-term prospects by giving chances to players like Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, who look ready for international cricket. With Washington Sundar emerging as a strong prospect for the next 10 years, Ashwin’s future in India may be discussed after the Australia series ends.
Jadeja, who has better fitness and bats well on foreign pitches, can be retained, although in Indian conditions, a strong alternative is ready in the form of Axar Patel. Human rights are also progressing rapidly in this matter.
Rohit has scored 1210 runs in 35 Test innings at an average of 37.18 since February 2021. In the last 10 innings he has been able to score only two half-centuries and has scored less than 10 runs in six innings.
Kohli’s performance has been even more disappointing. He has scored 742 runs in the last 25 innings at an average of 30.91. While Rohit has scored four centuries during this period, Kohli has played only one century and that too on the flat pitch of Ahmedabad.
Jasprit Bumrah has been made the vice-captain of the team but considering his workload management, it cannot be prolonged for too long. Either Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant can be given the reins of the Test team.