Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to domestic cricket to improve their form and help upcoming players. After their underwhelming performances in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shastri believes that playing in domestic tournaments could serve as a dual-purpose solution: enhancing their game and mentoring younger talent.
Recent Performance of Kohli & Rohit in BGT 2024-25
| Player | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 5 | 190 | 38.00 |
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 31 | 6.20 |
Despite Kohli’s unbeaten century in one match, his overall performance was below expectations. Rohit Sharma, India’s Test captain, struggled significantly, averaging just 6.2 runs.
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Why Domestic Cricket?
Benefits Highlighted by Ravi Shastri
- Improving Skills Against Spin Shastri pointed out that Indian pitches in domestic cricket are spin-friendly, providing the perfect opportunity for both players to practice against quality spin bowling. This could help them overcome recent technical issues.
- Mentoring the Young Generation Playing in domestic tournaments allows senior players to guide younger cricketers. Shastri drew parallels with how legends like Sachin Tendulkar contributed during the latter stages of their careers.
- Regaining Confidence Regular match practice can help Kohli and Rohit regain their confidence and rhythm before India’s upcoming red-ball series against England.
Shastri’s Perspective on Their Future
Shastri emphasized that hunger and desire are crucial factors for senior players in their mid-to-late 30s. “When you’re in your 30s — one is 36, the other is 38 — it’s the hunger and desire that matter,” he said.
He also noted that Kohli and Rohit must decide whether they still have the drive to continue playing at the highest level.
Upcoming Series for Team India
India’s next major red-ball challenge will be against England in May-June 2025. Before that, the team will play a three-match ODI series against England, starting from February 6, 2025. It remains to be seen whether Kohli and Rohit will participate in these matches.
Ravi Shastri’s call for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to domestic cricket highlights the importance of staying connected with the roots of the game. Whether the star duo takes up Shastri’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their experience is invaluable for India’s cricketing future.
