The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) has taken a major step after India’s recent performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose futures have been under the scanner, are likely to be the most affected by this decision.
India suffered a 1-3 defeat against hosts Australia in the five-match Test series. The men in blue won the first test in Perth, but their performance continued to decline from the next game.
Australia made a strong comeback in Adelaide to win the second Test. India somehow managed to draw the third Test but Australia were too good to get the fourth in the last session of the match. The hosts continued their dominance and defeated India in the fifth Test in Sydney to clinch the series.
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BCCI is taking a big step after the BGT disaster in India
BCCI officials along with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma attended a review of the team’s performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Mumbai. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar was also there.
It was decided in the meeting that players will not be allowed to pick any bilateral series from now on. Previously, the team’s senior players were allowed to skip bilateral assignments based on their priorities.
However, this will no longer be the case, as the selectors will decide on the availability of players for the series. Players must provide appropriate medical reasons if they wish to remain out of selection for any bilateral engagement.
“There was a detailed discussion on the execution of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, what all went wrong and the course correction needed. But don’t expect a hasty decision from the BCCI’s new dispensation,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
In addition, the board decided not to make any major decision that could seriously affect the composition of the team. The report also claims that Gambhir, Agarkar and Rohit also discussed things that went wrong in Australia.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are facing a blow
The decision is likely to affect Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli the most. Both senior players have missed a lot of bilateral series over the past few years but have consistently featured in important Test series and major ICC tournaments.
There were reports claiming that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might miss the upcoming ODI series against England. However, both players are likely to feature in the series now as it is also a Champions Trophy build-up.
Rohit and Kohli have already retired from T20Is but are still active players in Tests and ODIs. Both have not been in great form in the red ball format of late but will be a key part of India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in BGT 2024-25
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are at the forefront of criticism after a disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit has scored just 31 runs in three Tests at a miserable average of 6.20. He even withdrew himself from the last Test in Sydney due to his poor batting form.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has also not had a great run and has scored 190 runs in five Tests at an average of 23.75. He scored a hundred in the first Test in Perth, but his performance steadily declined in the next four matches.
