Rohit Sharma's friend blames Virat Kohli for India’s 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand

Pragyan Ojha has openly said that the senior duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should take responsibility for India’s humiliating 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home.

New Zealand crushed India by 25 runs in the final Test to clean-sweep the series. Highlighting the poor form of batting mainstay Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha blamed the senior batters for the Indian cricket team's collapse across the six innings against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s form slammed by Pragyan Ojha after India’s crushing loss to New Zealand

The two batting stalwarts have faced an alarming decline this season, with Rohit Sharma managing a mere 133 runs over 10 innings at an average of just 13.30. On the other hand, Virat Kohli hasn't done justice to his stature as well, amassing only 192 runs at a disappointing average of 21.33.

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Speaking about the New Zealand Test series, Virat Kohli scored only 93 runs while Rohit managed 91 runs—both at a meager average of over 15 in three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai respectively.

Pragyan Ojha said on Cricbuzz: “They are senior players; they need to take full responsibility. They are in bad form, right, and because of that, India's collapse looks worse. If both of these batters would have clicked, it is not just about them scoring runs then; they would also be giving confidence to their teammates. But that didn't happen.”

This underwhelming display from the batting giants has not only left the Indian team weak but has also dulled the morale of their teammates. And Ojha warned that the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia will be a big challenge for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Australia series will be very important for both of them: Pragyan Ojha

With Australia eager to avenge their past defeats, the stakes have never been higher. The pressure is mounting on Rohit and Kohli to rediscover their form, as their struggles are playing into Australia's hands, giving them a psychological edge ahead of the much-awaited Test series.

Warning Kohli and Rohit, Ojha further noted, “This Australia series will be very important for both of them. If they find form there, then India will feel a little bit comfortable. Because Down Under, I feel the way they are preparing, Australia won't make it easy for them.

Especially when they know that India are coming on the back of losing a home series, and that too a whitewash, Australia are ahead in mind games and make good use of it. They will do everything to unsettle India in Australia. They have twice lost at home, so they will look to avenge those defeats. The situation couldn't get better for Australia because senior Indian players are not scoring runs.”

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New Zealand scripts history on Indian soil

Notably, New Zealand has made history by winning three Tests in a single series for the first time, whether at home or away. Additionally, this was also the first time that New Zealand has achieved three consecutive victories in away Tests.