Virat Kohli’s latest struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia have sparked major discussions about his future in Test cricket. Once the unstoppable force in India’s batting lineup, Kohli is now going through a challenging phase of his career.
Despite a remarkable century in the first Test at Perth, the rest of the five-match Test series was a nightmare for the Indian batting superstar, with just 190 runs at a dismal average below 24. Now, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared his views on where Kohli stands in his career.
Ravi Shastri weighs in on Virat Kohli’s future after tough BGT 2024-25 campaign
Ravi Shastri compared Virat Kohli’s career to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara and said that the former Indian skipper may not be at his peak anymore, but the former Indian coach feels the batting maestro still has the potential to perform at a high level for a couple of years and can add value to the Indian cricket team.
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He has emphasized that Kohli’s role could evolve into that of a mentor, sharing his experience with the younger generation while continuing to contribute to the team. However, if Kohli’s form doesn’t improve and he no longer enjoys the game, Shastri hinted that it might be time for Kohli to step away from the game, but he has to make that decision by himself.
Ravi Shastri told The ICC Review: “This now takes my mind back to Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. When you evaluate their careers and see where Virat is, I think Virat still has it in him for the next couple of years to do. To get the youngsters coming through the ranks there. Help them out. Share knowledge. Be part of the dressing room. Contribute to the team. And if your form is still good and you’re enjoying it, stay there. Otherwise, it will be time to move on, and your mind will tell you to do that.”
Ravi Shastri suggests Virat Kohli’s key role for Team India at this stage
The commentator believes that Virat Kohli still has a valuable role to play in Indian cricket, not just with his bat but also as a senior player in the dressing room. Shastri highlighted the importance of Kohli guiding younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Reddy, who are all at an early stage in their careers.
With the Indian cricket team going through a transition phase, the former Indian all-rounder feels Kohli’s experience will be key for these youngsters in helping them grow and learn from one of the game’s best. Shastri further mentioned, “I think the contributing factor to this team is transition and the youngsters coming through the ranks. There are a lot of guys there who can benefit from the experience of a player of Virat Kohli’s caliber.”
Ravi Shastri urges Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play Domestic Cricket
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri suggested that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are also facing tough times with the bat, should consider playing red-ball domestic cricket whenever possible. He believes that domestic cricket is very important for both Kohli and Rohit to stay connected with the current generation of players and contribute their experience.
Shastri also pointed out that playing in domestic cricket would help the Indian batting icons to face spin bowling more often, which is crucial, especially since India has struggled against quality spinners on turning tracks. He stated, “If there’s a gap for them, I think they should go back and play some domestic cricket and see how it is.”
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Ravi Shastri says hunger and desire will decide Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test future
The former Indian head coach also believes that the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket will depend on their desire to continue playing. Shastri emphasized that at their ages, it’s their hunger and motivation to play that will ultimately decide their future in Test cricket.
Shastri signed off by saying, “They might have been lucky to get over a couple of series, but you saw how New Zealand exposed them before coming to Australia. So, I would leave it on that. And plus, it’s the hunger and desire. When you’re in your 30s, one is 36, the other is 38. They would know how hungry they are.”