Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar have criticized the superstar culture in Indian cricket. They pointed out the lack of commitment to domestic cricket, particularly in light of India’s poor performance in Australia. The and  focus of their criticism was aimed at senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both had disappointing tours.

Kohli managed only 190 runs in eight innings, with a disappointing average of 23.75. His struggle against deliveries outside the off stump was a key issue. He was dismissed seven out of eight times by deliveries in that area, with Scott Boland being his main tormentor.

Rohit Sharma’s performance was equally poor, with just 31 runs in five innings. His dismal form led to him opting out of the fifth Test. This led to widespread speculation about their future in Test cricket.

Despite the poor form, reports suggest that neither Kohli nor Rohit is expected to retire voluntarily. A source within the BCCI mentioned that the team is undergoing a phase of introspection. However, they are unlikely to ask the two players to retire. The selectors will have to make the final decision on their future.

The BCCI office bearers, including Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia, discussed the issues with Kohli’s technique. It’s evident that both players’ future in Test cricket will depend on their form in the upcoming months.

The BCCI is under pressure to address the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India’s cricket leaders. Recent debates among former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar, highlight the board’s challenge in resolving this dilemma.

Reports suggest both Kohli and Sharma might not voluntarily step down despite questions over their recent performances. The board must decide on a transition plan without risking disruption in team dynamics. Gavaskar expressed concerns about senior players’ reluctance to retire on their terms. Pathan supported the sentiment, emphasizing the need for clear communication and strategic planning.

Kohli, known for his aggressive leadership and consistent batting, has faced scrutiny in recent months. Similarly, Sharma, the captain across formats, has dealt with mixed results on the field. While their contributions to Indian cricket remain undeniable, the question of grooming new leaders is gaining momentum.

The BCCI reportedly plans to assess performances during the upcoming England tour. A comprehensive evaluation will guide the decision on the duo’s roles in future campaigns. Selectors and the team management aim to strike a balance between respecting veterans and fostering new talent.

Experts believe that transparent discussions between the board, players, and coaching staff will help manage the transition smoothly. Introducing emerging players gradually can ensure continuity while preserving the legacy of Kohli and Sharma.

Indian cricket stands at a crossroads, where decisions today could shape its future trajectory. The resolution of this issue will determine the team’s competitiveness and long-term success.

Australia wins BGT! Australia defeated India in the fourth Test at Sydney, winning the series 3-1 and reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The victory also ended India’s hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

India entered the match under immense pressure, needing a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling and steady batting dashed India’s aspirations.

After choosing to bat first, Australia posted a challenging total of 394, with contributions from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. India struggled to counter Australia’s bowling attack, collapsing for 198 in their first innings. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling effort with sharp spells.

With a 196-run lead, Australia opted to bat again and declared at 201/6. Steve Smith’s half-century provided a solid foundation. Chasing 398, India faltered again, bowling for 215 on the fourth day. Despite Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking fifty, the hosts failed to build partnerships.

Nathan Lyon emerged as the star performer, finishing with match figures 10/78. His exceptional spin bowling proved too much for India’s batters to handle. Australia’s dominance throughout the series highlighted their all-around superiority.

This series win marks a significant achievement for Australia, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a ten-year wait. It also secured their spot in the WTC final, setting up a potential clash with South Africa or Sri Lanka. Australia wins BGT!

India’s campaign revealed several weaknesses, particularly in their middle-order batting and bowling consistency. Questions about team selection and strategy also surfaced, with calls for introspection ahead of future tours.

The result concludes a hard-fought series, where Australia showcased resilience and strategic brilliance. While India will reflect on their missed opportunities, Australia celebrates a long-awaited triumph.