Ravi Shastri reveals the two factors that will decide the future of Virat Kohli, Test Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli’s Latest Struggles in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia fueled much debate about his future in Test cricket. Once an unstoppable force in the Indian batting line-up, Kohli is now going through a challenging phase in his career.

Despite a remarkable century in the first Test in Perth, the rest of the five-match Test series was a nightmare for the Indian batting superstar, with just 190 runs at a paltry average of under 24. Now, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his views on Kohli’s position in career.

Ravi Shastri assesses Virat Kohli’s future after a tough 2024-25 BGT campaign.

Ravi Shastri compared Virat Kohli’s career with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara and said that the former Indian captain may not be at his peak anymore, but the former India coach feels that the batting maestro still has the potential to perform at a high level in a few years and can add value to the Indian cricket team.

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He 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 does not improve and he is no longer enjoying the game, Shastri hinted that it may be time for Kohli to retire from the game, but he has to make that decision himself.

Ravi Shastri told The ICC Review: “This brings me back to Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara now. When you evaluate their careers and see where Virat is at, I think Virat still has it in him for the next few years. For young people to make their way there. Help them. Share knowledge. Be part of the locker room. Contribute to the team. And if you’re still in good shape and enjoying it, stick around. Otherwise, it will be time to move on, and your mind will tell you to do so.”

Ravi Shastri suggests Virat Kohli’s pivotal role for Team India at this stage

The commentator believes that Virat Kohli still has a valuable role to play in Indian cricket, not only 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 in the early stages of their careers.

With the Indian cricket team going through a phase of transition, the former India all-rounder feels that Kohli’s experience will be crucial for these youngsters to help them grow and learn from one of the best in the game. Shastri further mentioned, “I think the contributing factor to this team is the 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 calibre.”

Ravi Shastri encourages 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 domestic cricket is very important for 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 India’s batting icons face spin bowling more often, which is crucial especially as India have struggled against quality spinners on the turning tracks. He stated: “If there’s a gap for them, I think they should come back and play some domestic cricket and see what it’s like.”

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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 age, their hunger and motivation to play will ultimately decide their future in Test cricket.

Shastri signed off by saying, “They might have been happy to get over a few runs but you saw how New Zealand exposed them before coming to Australia. So, I would leave it at that. Plus, it’s hunger and desire. When you’re in your 30s, one is 36, the other 38. You would know how hungry they are.”