Australia Tests could be career-ending for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, warns Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian batter and cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar has claimed that the much-awaited Test series in Australia will serve as the final opportunity for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the longest format of the game.

Following India's disappointing 0-3 defeat to New Zealand, the spotlight now shifts to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s performance in Australia, where the playing conditions will be completely different, as they miserably failed to deliver in the recent home series.

Sanjay Manjrekar warns Australia tour could mark the End of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test era

Manjrekar emphasized that the Australian pitches will present challenges of pace and bounce, unlike the spin-friendly conditions in India, so India can expect a lot better performance from the duo in the upcoming Test series.

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With the Indian selectors keeping a close eye on the batting giants’ performance, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 could determine the future of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket, according to Manjrekar.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo: “If there was another home series now after this and another one after that, then it would have been something that maybe the selectors would have contemplated. But now because the next series is going to be in Australia, which is going to be a completely different ball game. And you look at the numbers; those are depressing numbers, to say the least.

Similar conditions, you would worry about the Indian batting line-up. But when you go to Australia, it's completely different. What you'll get is mostly pace and bounce. And that was the thing that wasn't exposed in these two battles when they were playing. These were just completely different pitches. They needed some skills to play spin well. But it's going to be a different test in Australia.”

Sanjay Manjrekar backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to regain form in Australia

Kohli and Rohit have been facing heavy criticism for their overwhelming performances in Test cricket, but Sanjay Manjrekar believes that how they adapt and perform in Australia will provide crucial insight into their cricketing careers in the longest format of the game.

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He said that there will be Nathan Lyon, but the conditions will not be the same in Australia as in the New Zealand series. Manjrekar noted that both Kohli and Rohit have failed miserably in the recent Test series, but the upcoming Australia tour is going to be completely different.

Manjrekar further noted that the upcoming five-match Test series between Australia and India will not only test Kohli and Rohit’s skill sets but also their ability to deliver under pressure, potentially marking a turning point for two of India’s biggest cricketing stars.

Australia tour will give a lot of clarity to Virat-Rohit and selectors: Majrekar

The commentator further noted, “So, there is still hope that everything will depend on how they go in Australia. And that will be a confirmation of where their career is heading. And it's not just about runs, how they look while getting their runs.”

Manjrekar also cited the example of legendary Sachin Tendulkar when he was playing his last 15-20 Test matches, and he was getting the odd 50 or 90, but he wasn't the same batting master. He added that when Rohit and Virat get that confirmation, it will be the time to move on.

The cricket expert signed off by saying, “That has to be in Australia and not right away. I think once you get there, there'll be a lot more clarity and certainty for the selectors as well.”

One last chance for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket? 🤔#INDvNZ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/FciDMwt9q0

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 4, 2024