In India’s 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both averaged 15 points. India have never suffered a whitewash in a home Test series before. When the fortress collapsed, the two old guards looked helpless. In a few days, they will face their next big challenge. India will not reach the World Test Championship (WTC) final if the batting powerhouse fails to dramatically turn around its form in the five-match Test series in Australia starting this month. So, is the BCCI ready to accept a tough call if these two 35-plus cricketers don’t find a second chance? The focus will be on senior BCCI officials, selectors and coaches. In the past, head coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken more than anyone in Indian cricket about the need to end star culture. Now it is his turn to deliver on his promise with the help of electors like Ajit Agarkar and BCCI. Of course, this decision is not as simple as it seems.
Veterans like Rohit, Virat, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja etc. failed to perform but even the young team consisting of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant could not concede the ball despite playing some eye-catching knocks The team crossed the finish line. Firing everyone at the top level at once could result in a team that lacks leadership and doesn’t have enough experience. India’s emerging 20-somethings are part of a generation that has broken into international cricket without much first-class experience. They have been holding leadership positions in the IPL ranks. Most of them haven’t been through the grind of a five-day game. They are incompatible with concepts such as a consistent work ethic, the rigor of maintaining high intensity levels, and maintaining energy through long-term exercise.
History provides lessons, and the country they are now about to visit is Australia. In the 1980s, the retirements of Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell, Rod Marsh, and the next generation of seniors such as Kim Hughes The defeat was a huge blow to Australia, who had committed their fortunes to veteran Allan Border and his handpicked team of young talents such as Steve Waugh, David Boone, Dean Jones . A group of talented young people are selected, their temperament is as important as their talent, and they are led by a stern old-school leader from the frontier. India may well have to go down this route at the end of this tour of Australia. Broadcasters and others in the sales industry may disagree, but Indian cricket needs to take a step of faith.
