BCCI instructs Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma to play domestic cricket or end their India career

The India cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, had a disappointing performance in the recent three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. Indian batters looked clueless against the opposition bowling attack, while the home team spin bowlers failed to pose a threat to the Kiwi batters during the series.

The disappointing performances of senior players in the recent Test series have raised concerns about their futures. Many fans and former cricketers believe that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin missed the trick by not participating in the 2024 Duleep Trophy ahead of the home Test season.

Experts have pointed out that a lack of match practice and poor shot selection are among the reasons behind the team's dismal batting performance. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli posted some of the lowest figures of their careers. It's India's first-ever home Test whitewash in a series of three or more matches.

Seniors Could Have Played A Game Like Others Did - BCCI Official

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from central contracts for not participating in domestic matches. However, seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin were rested, and Ravindra Jadeja didn't participate in the Duleep Trophy 2024.

“If the board wants to send a strong message about giving importance to domestic cricket, then the seniors must also be on board. There was very little cricket after the T20 World Cup. There is a school of thought that the seniors could have played a game like others did. The likes of Steve Smith still play Sheffield Shield during the international season,” a BCCI source said, as quoted by the Times of India.

There's No Definite Vice-Captain In Test Cricket

According to a report, the board is looking to plan a transition following the Australia tour. The selectors are expected to create a plan rather than react to recent performances. There is no vice-captain for the Test team, and the arrangement for the Australia series is a stopgap.

“The selectors need to come up with a plan. It can’t be a knee-jerk reaction. There needs to be a plan. There’s no definite vice-captain in Test cricket. With Bumrah’s workload issues, it is a stop-gap arrangement for the Australia series,” the source said.

Jasprit Bumrah Named India's Vice-Captain For New Zealand, Australia Series

Jasprit Bumrah was named vice-captain of the team for the recent Test series against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer was rested for the third and final match of the series due to illness. It is worth mentioning that there was no vice-captain for the Test series against Bangladesh despite Bumrah's presence.

Also read: Rohit Sharma breaks silence on missing first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25