Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's form huge concern? Aakash Chopra drops bold verdict before Kanpur Test

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra opened up about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form before the second and final Test against Bangladesh. Aakash Chopra stated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form is not a concern, adding that both batters didn't have a long lean patch with the bat.

India secured a convincing 280-run victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, Rohit and Virat didn't have good outings with the bat. The Indian skipper managed to score 11 runs across two innings during the series opener and was dismissed by pacers on both occasions.

Virat Kohli scored 23 runs during the series opener. He looked solid in the first innings before being caught behind off Hasan Mahmud's bowling. Kohli scored 17 runs off 37 balls, including two boundaries. The right-handed batter was given out leg-before-wicket, but replays showed an inside edge.

Will Say It's Not A Concern - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra addressed concerns about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form before the Kanpur Test, stating he doesn't see it as an issue. He said that players sometimes go through phases without scoring, but slumps are a concern if it's a long patch.

"I will say it's not a concern. It happens at times that runs aren't scored. Runs not getting scored could be a concern if it's a long patch. They played in the T20 World Cup final and both left at an amazing high," Chopra said.

The former India opener pointed out that Rohit Sharma was performing well during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Chopra noted that Kohli struggled to score against Sri Lanka after delivering a match-winning performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

"After that, you wish to take a little leave and rest. However, they were sent to Sri Lanka for the ODIs. Rohit Sharma looked very good. He didn't face any difficulties. Virat Kohli didn't score runs there and after that, there was no other cricket," Chopra added.

Rohit Sharma had an impressive performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, scoring 157 runs at an average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 141.44 across three innings. In contrast, Virat Kohli struggled, amassing only 58 runs at an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 84.05 in his three innings.

There Is No Shame In Playing - Aakash Chopra

In the same video, Aakash Chopra said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's performance might have improved had they played in the Duleep Trophy game before the first Test. The cricketer-turned-commentator added that there is no hesitation or shame in playing.

"They didn't play in the Duleep Trophy and I know there was a question attached to your question, about whether not playing the Duleep Trophy became a cause for concern for them. Maybe it would have been better if they had played because there is no hesitation or shame in playing," Chopra continued.

The second and final Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at Green Park in Kanpur. The match will begin on Friday, September 27, at 9:30 AM IST.

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