Michael Clarke passes cold-blooded verdict on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that the Indian national cricket team looked fatigued during their Test series loss against New Zealand at home. Michael Clarke acknowledged New Zealand's performance but added that this defeat will serve as a wake-up call for the Rohit Sharma-led side.

India suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand. Notably, it was India's first-ever whitewash (three or more Tests). New Zealand became the first team in 12 years to win a Test series on Indian soil. India will next face Australia in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

It Tells Me India Are So Fatigued - Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke said that India's recent poor performance was due to "mental fatigue." He pointed out that India wasn’t at their best in terms of shot selection and bowling decisions. Clarke also recalled that captain Rohit Sharma admitted he wasn’t at his best.

"Take nothing away from New Zealand but It tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers, and even Rohit to come out and say he wasn't at his best - just Think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them," Clarke said in Around the Wicket Podcast.

You'll See the Best of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is confident about India's chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. He said that a "freshened up" Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will perform at their best. Clarke predicted that the duo would return to their peak form with experience, talent, and self-belief.

"They know they've played well out here in Australia and they'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That's the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli - you can't be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you'll see the best of them," Clarke added.

First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to Commence on November 22

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled during India's home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Rohit scored just 133 runs in 10 innings, while Kohli added 192 runs in the same number of innings. Between them, the senior Indian batters only registered two half-centuries across five Tests.

The five-match Test series between India and Australia will commence on November 22 in Perth. Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney will host the remaining four Test matches in the series. It’s worth mentioning that the Indian cricket team won the last two Test series in Australia by a margin of 2-1.

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