Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should return to domestic cricket to regain form ahead of India’s crucial Test series in England. His comments come after India’s disappointing 3-1 series loss in Australia. Rohit opted out of the final Test citing poor form, managing just 31 runs across five innings. Kohli, despite scoring a century in Perth, struggled in the remainder of the series, often getting caught behind or in the slips.
Shastri echoed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s view that experienced players should participate in domestic cricket to stay Test-ready. He emphasized that fitness and form are essential for players aiming to continue playing red-ball cricket. “There’s no substitute for experience, but current form and fitness are equally important,” Shastri told the ICC Review. He suggested that Kohli and Rohit could benefit from domestic cricket during gaps in their schedule.
However, finding time for first-class cricket might be challenging. India’s domestic season runs until late January, coinciding with the home ODI series against England. The duo may get only one Ranji Trophy game, starting January 23. Another option could be playing in England’s county championship, but this seems unlikely due to their commitments in the IPL. Kohli, in particular, is tipped to return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain.
Meanwhile, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting advised Kohli to take a mental break to rediscover his love for the game. Ponting noted Kohli’s struggle with deliveries outside off-stump, attributing it to a mental block. He suggested a brief break could help Kohli return refreshed, stating, “The skill is still there, but sometimes you need time away to enjoy the game again.”
Both Shastri and Ponting agree that a change in approach could help the star duo rediscover their form.
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