Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, India in Australia, Manjrekar’s backing for Kohli and Sharma, India vs Australia 2024
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar is optimistic that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will return to form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Both players faced significant struggles in India’s recent 0-3 whitewash to New Zealand, where they failed to score big in spin-friendly conditions. However, Manjrekar believes the conditions in Australia will suit them much better, offering a “home away from home” advantage for both batters.
Kohli and Rohit’s Struggles in New Zealand Series
India’s loss to New Zealand, Kohli and Rohit’s form in 2024, India’s defeat 0-3
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were two key players whose poor form contributed to India’s shocking loss to New Zealand. Kohli managed just 93 runs in three Tests, with New Zealand’s spinners getting the better of him throughout the series. Rohit, too, failed to shine, accumulating only 91 runs in six innings. His shot selection was inconsistent, often failing to find the right balance between aggression and caution. This led to early dismissals, particularly against pacers.
Despite their struggles, Manjrekar is confident that the conditions in Australia, known for their pace and bounce, will be much more favorable to the two batters.
Manjrekar: Australia is a ‘Home Away from Home’ for Kohli and Rohit
Manjrekar’s thoughts on Kohli and Rohit in Australia, India vs Australia 2024
Manjrekar believes the Australian conditions will bring the best out of both Kohli and Rohit. “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be thinking, ‘It’s good, we are going to play in a home away from home.’ They were struggling a lot on turning pitches. Facing pace and bounce is not a problem for Rohit Sharma,” Manjrekar said. He pointed to Kohli’s performances in South Africa, where he looked in complete control on pace-heavy pitches, scoring consistently and appearing one of India’s best players during that series.
Kohli, who has an excellent record in Australia, is expected to feel more at ease on the fast, bouncy tracks of the Australian summer. His previous successes Down Under, including six centuries in 13 Tests, have shown his ability to thrive in such conditions.
Virat Kohli’s Strong Record in Australia
Kohli’s record in Australia, Kohli Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli batting stats
Virat Kohli has been a prolific scorer in Australia, averaging over 50 runs per innings in Test matches. In 13 Tests on Australian soil, Kohli has scored 1,352 runs, including six centuries. His best performances have come during the intense Border-Gavaskar series, where the rivalry between India and Australia has always brought out the best in him. Even when India lost the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli played key roles in Australia’s first-ever Test series win on Indian soil in 2018-19, including a brilliant 123 in Perth.
Manjrekar believes that Kohli’s solid record in Australia, coupled with his recent success on similar conditions in South Africa, should give him the confidence to shine in the upcoming series.
Rohit Sharma’s Challenges in Australia
Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Australia, Sharma’s Test batting, Rohit in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s record in Australia has been less impressive. With an average of just over 30 in Test cricket in Australia and very limited experience opening the batting in the country, Rohit faces a tough challenge. He has only played two Tests as an opener in Australia, and the upcoming series presents a significant opportunity for him to prove himself on the fast, bouncy tracks.
“Rohit Sharma will not be there for the first Test. For him, it will be a bit of a break from the scrutiny,” said Manjrekar. Rohit is likely to miss the opening Test due to paternity leave, which may give him some time away from the pressure, allowing him to return refreshed for the remaining matches.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: A Key Test for India
India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar 2024, Perth Test preview, India Test squad
The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will kick off on November 22, 2024, in Perth at the iconic Optus Stadium. While Kohli and Rohit will be crucial to India’s success in the series, their form will also heavily influence India’s chances in the highly competitive and challenging conditions of Australia. With the series likely to be a tough contest, both batters will be eager to rediscover their rhythm and put India back on track after their dismal performance against New Zealand.
As the India squad trains in Perth, with players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah already at the WACA ground under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the excitement for the series is building. Rohit Sharma, though not yet in Australia, was seen training in Mumbai on November 13, getting ready for what could be a defining series in his career.
