Former Indian star wants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to retire if they fail in Australia

Former India player, Karsan Ghavri has asked Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to call it quits if they fail in Australia. India’s veteran duo had failed with the bat during the recent home season against Bangladesh and New Zealand. What made it worse was that India for the first time lost a home series 3-0. 

Karsan Ghavri during his chat with Times of India said, “Definitely, 200 percent yes. They need to score big. If they don’t perform, it’s time for them to call a time on their Test careers. If they don’t perform in Australia, Virat and Rohit should retire. They have done a lot for Indian cricket, but the team needs runs to win. We need to build a team for the future. How long will we keep players who aren’t performing? 

Earlier today it was revealed that both Rohit and Virat had pulled out of the Duleep Trophy 2024 citing a lack of motivation. It turned out to be a huge error on their part as they failed to get going with the bat against the Kiwis. 

Time for India to re-call Pujara and Rahane?

Karsan Ghavri also suggested that India should recall veteran duo Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya. Both Indian stars haven’t played Test cricket since 2023 and are currently playing Ranji Trophy cricket. 

During his chat with Times of India, Ghavri said, “If they perform, keep them, if not, why select them? If players are selected without performance, then bring in Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aren’t scoring runs, then who will score?" 

The former star also said, “In a country like Australia, you need experienced players who can occupy the crease, stay longer and put up big scores. To beat Australia in Australia, you need big totals on the board.”

Pragyan Ojha who played with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli wasn’t happy with the batting form shown by the pair. During his chat with CRICBUZZ the former India star said, “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 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” added Pragyan Ojha.