New BCCI secretary ordered to drop Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli: 'Need to send strong message'

Team India's dismal performance in the recently concluded five-match Test series against Australia seemed to have opened the pandora's box. The poor performance on the field has put the focus firmly on two of Indian cricket's biggest stars - captain Rohit Sharma and his predecessor Virat Kohli.

Not very long ago, both veteran batsmen were the toast of the nation after they played a key role in India's victory at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, they have now found themselves in the firing line following India's recent performances in Tests.

India suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand. It was their first series defeat at home since 2012/13. It was followed by the 3-1 loss against Australia as India lost a series against the team from Down Under for the first time since 2014/15.

And in both the series, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to deliver. The India captain scored only 91 runs against New Zealand while Kohli scored 93 runs. Against Australia, Rohit Sharma scored only 31 runs in three Tests while Kohli scored 190 runs in 5 Tests. Of those 190 runs, Kohli scored 100 runs in one innings.

BCCI official on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's situation:

There have been calls from several quarters to drop both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the Test team and start afresh. With India failing to qualify for the WTC final, many believe that the team should now move on from their senior batsmen.

According to reports, the BCCI is set to have their first discussion on the matter on the coming Sunday, in the Special General Meeting. While only time will tell how things unfold in the coming days, a former BCCI official has advised the board's new secretary Devajit Saikia to sort out the mess.

The official said that the current situation has made the BCCI look weak and the board should send a strong message. He also said that no player is bigger than the game while subtly hinting that both Rohit and Kohli should be dropped,

"The message is going very bad. People can be sweet pawns on the internet but BCCI has to run cricket in the country and it should also be seen running it. Now there is a need to give such a strong message that no player should consider himself bigger than the game," the official told Dainik Jagran.

"Now there is a need to choose a new team. The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is of BCCI and the new secretary should call him, and also give a strict message," he added.

While Rohit and Kohli's Test future looks uncertain, they are more than likely to be a part of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy next month. Both the players have done well in white-ball cricket and will be looking to live up to the expectations in the Champions Trophy as well.

The marquee event is scheduled to be played from February 19. Team India are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. The top two teams from the two groups will qualify for the semifinals.