Disappointing! India Outplayed in Border Gavaskar Trophy, Should Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Shoulder The Blame?

The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment for Indian cricket fans as Australia clinched the series 3-1, regaining supremacy after years of struggle on their home soil. The final blow came at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the hosts triumphed in the fifth Test by six wickets. This crushing defeat raised serious questions about the performances of senior Indian players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who failed to deliver when the team needed them most.

Poor Performances by India's Senior Duo: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

In this IND vs AUS series, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled to make a meaningful impact. Kohli, known for his consistency, managed only 190 runs across five Tests. His repeated dismissals while chasing wide deliveries exposed a clear vulnerability. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma, who missed the Perth Test for personal reasons, scored just 31 runs in three matches before stepping down from the final Test.

Their underwhelming performances left a significant void in India’s batting lineup, and fans have begun questioning whether their time in Test cricket is nearing its end.

Coach Gautam Gambhir Defends Rohit and Kohli

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, addressed the growing criticism, expressing optimism about the duo's future. "They still have the hunger and passion. Whatever they decide will be in the best interest of Indian cricket," he said. Gambhir also supported Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of the final Test, emphasizing that team priorities must come before individual ambitions.

Gambhir’s remarks highlighted that accountability starts at the top. He praised Rohit for stepping aside in Sydney, showing leadership by prioritizing the team's needs over his personal struggles.

The Road Ahead for India Post Border Gavaskar Trophy Defeat

India's struggles in Test cricket this season have been compounded by their earlier 3-0 series defeat against New Zealand on home soil. This back-to-back failure has highlighted the team's growing challenges. Transition seems inevitable, as the performances of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have come under scrutiny.

India's next international assignment is a five-match T20I series against England starting January 22, 2025, in Kolkata. Players not part of the T20I squad will have the opportunity to participate in the Ranji Trophy, potentially paving the way for fresh talent to emerge.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy defeat could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win. Their struggles in this Test series might accelerate discussions about their roles in the longer format.