IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma will flop in Border-Gavaskar Trophy claims former England captain
Published - 06 Nov 2024, 11:59 AM | Updated - 06 Nov 2024, 12:04 PM
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan raised doubts about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Vaughan stated that Virat and Rohit will be crucial for the Indian cricket team to secure victory in the Australia series.
India is currently under immense pressure after their disappointing 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home. Virat and Rohit's poor form in Test cricket is one of their main concerns. The veteran cricketers averaged below 16 during the recently concluded home Test series against New Zealand.
India Are Going To Require To Win Here In Australia - Michael Vaughan
Speaking to Fox Cricket during the first Australia-Pakistan ODI, Michael Vaughan said that Virat and Rohit Sharma must be at their best against Australia but added that they might be past their peak. Vaughan highlighted the challenge of facing Australia's formidable bowling attack.
"The one thing that India are going to require to win here in Australia is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli getting big runs and getting back to their best. I hope they do, I fear they won't," Vaughan said.
"I fear that they might just be over the edge and when you face an Australian attack that is up there with the greatest that has ever played the game in their own backyard, you've got to arrive here with solid technique and you've got to arrive with amazing mentality," he added.
There's A Real Concern Around Virat Kohli - Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan said that Virat Kohli is currently battling 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 defeated Australia at the Gabba.
"I mean last series they won, they had no Virat Kohli to chase down that target at the Gabba. Australia hadn't lost a Test match at the Gabba in 32 years, but I will say there's a real concern around Kohli. That full toss that he missed to Mitchell Santner, that's not Virat Kohli. You're looking at a player that's just fighting (for form) at the minute," said Vaughan.
Kohli Has Impressive Record In Test Matches In Australia
Virat missed the England Tests earlier this year. He has struggled in recent outings with an average of 22 since his return to Test cricket against Bangladesh and New Zealand. However, the 36-year-old batter has an impressive record in Australia with 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries.
The Rohit Sharma-led team will begin the five-match Test series against Australia on November 22 in Perth. There is growing speculation about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's futures 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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