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With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli coming under pressure for the lack of runs, Ravi Shastri reckons that time has come for the pair to go back and play first-class cricket.
Senior stars like Rohit Sharma (R) and Virat Kohli (L) have been a big dissapointment in the tour to Australia. (Image: AFP)
The former India Head Coach Ravi Shastri wants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to their roots and play domestic cricket to overcome their recent batting woes.
The senior duo is under pressure after their lean patch. The side suffered a 1-3 series defeat to Australia on their tour Down Uunder and also missed out on a spot in the World Test Championship Final.
India’s Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, also suggested that the duo can play the first-class format, an opinion that Shastri agrees with as well.
“If there’s a gap for them, they should go back and play some domestic cricket and see how it is. Because when you play Test match cricket for that length of time, it’s important to play domestic cricket for two reasons,” Shastri said during a conversation alongside Australian great Ricky Ponting on ICC Review.
He reckons it is important to continue playing according to modern standards and, in addition, work on spin bowling, a record that has diminished among Indian batters of late.
“One you are with the current generation (and) you can contribute to that younger generation with your experience. And more importantly, you get to play spin more than you will ever play.
“If you see, India’s record in India on turning tracks is not the greatest. If you have quality spinners in the opposition, they can trouble you. And they have troubled India,” he added.
Shastri also commented on the futures of the senior pair and felt that it was on the duo to take a call on the decision.
“I would leave that on them and would be closely tracking how they fare in the upcoming games (ODIs against England, Champions Trophy).
“The hunger and desire as well is very important. One is 36 the other is 38 they would know how hungry they are. They will walk away if they think they have had enough,” added Shastri.
The futures of India’s leading batsmen remain uncertain, and Indian cricket will certainly have a tough time going through a phase without the senior pair.
(with PTI Inputs)
