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The recent underwhelming performance of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the overall disappointing 2024/25 Test season has sparked considerable debate regarding his future in Test cricket. His meager 31 runs in three matches and five innings, averaging a dismal 6.20, coupled with Virat Kohli's own struggles, have raised serious questions about their continued suitability for the highest level of the game. Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, in a recent interview on Star Sports, addressed the concerns surrounding Rohit's future, emphasizing the critical role of "hunger" in determining a cricketer's longevity and success at the international level. Bangar astutely observed that at 37 years of age, every failure weighs heavily on a cricketer's mind, particularly when comparing past glories to current underperformance. He pointed out that witnessing younger players excel while struggling personally can significantly impact a seasoned player's mental fortitude and desire to continue competing at the highest level.
Bangar's analysis goes beyond simple performance metrics; it delves into the psychological aspects of elite sports. He suggests that Rohit needs to introspect and honestly assess his own motivation. The presence or absence of "hunger," Bangar argues, must be evident not only in words but also in actions. He uses the examples of veteran middle-order batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as compelling case studies. Despite being dropped from the national team in the past, both Pujara and Rahane have actively sought opportunities to prove their worth by participating in domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, even venturing into county cricket in England. This proactive approach, Bangar highlights, underlines their unwavering commitment and desire to remain relevant in the highly competitive world of international cricket. Their dedication to honing their skills at the domestic level serves as a powerful contrast to the relative lack of similar commitment from Rohit, raising legitimate questions about his long-term prospects in the Indian Test team.
The issue of playing domestic cricket, particularly in the red-ball format, emerged as a central theme in discussions surrounding Rohit's future. Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta echoed Bangar's sentiment, emphasizing the importance of domestic participation as a barometer of a player's hunger and commitment. Dasgupta highlighted that even if a player's inherent class is undeniable, sustained effort and a willingness to make sacrifices are essential, especially at the later stages of a career where previous accomplishments cannot guarantee future success. He also highlighted the crucial period between now and the next Test series in June, a significant time gap during which few red-ball matches are scheduled. He posits that the limited opportunities for competitive red-ball cricket in the next few weeks could be instrumental in gauging Rohit's determination to return to form and reclaim his place in the Test team. This lack of readily available opportunities underscores the significance of Rohit's past performance and commitment levels, highlighting the need for a decisive and proactive approach to demonstrate his continued hunger for the sport.
The dismal performance of the 'Ro-Ko' partnership (Rohit and Kohli) throughout the 2024-25 Test season further strengthens the argument for a critical examination of their future roles. While Rohit's overall statistics for the season – 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings, averaging a mere 10.93 – are undeniably underwhelming, Kohli's performance, despite the occasional hundred and fifty, equally raises serious questions. With 382 runs in 10 matches and 19 innings at an average of 22.87, his consistency is clearly lacking. Both players have expressed a desire to continue playing for India, but their words must be backed up by demonstrable actions. Their individual performances are intricately linked to India's overall success in Test cricket, and their future involvement hinges on their capacity to demonstrate a renewed commitment to the game and a palpable hunger to return to their former glory. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether their ambition translates into tangible results, defining their lasting legacies in Indian Test cricket history.
Source: "He needs to determine if....": Bangar on skipper Rohit Sharma's Test future