The future of some senior ageing India players will be decided after the tour of Australia as the BCCI evaluates the shocking 0-3 drubbing against New Zealand at home while rolling out a structured phase-out policy before the start of the next WTC cycle.
There is a high possibility that the five-match Test series against Australia could be the final one for at least two of the four seniors among Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, who are in the last leg of their international careers.
“Look, I don’t think we can look that far ahead. It’s important to focus on the next series, which is Australia,” Rohit said when asked for his thoughts on India’s Test future given the limited time left in his captaincy.
“I’m not going to look beyond the Australia series. The Australia series is now very, very important to us. We will try and focus on that rather than thinking what happens after,” he said.
An informal discussion could occur between BCCI bigwigs and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and skipper Rohit about the way forward for an ageing team.
“Stocks will certainly be taken and could be informal since the team leaves for Australia on November 10. But this has been a huge debacle, but with the Australia series round the corner and the squad already announced, there won’t be any tinkering,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
“But if India doesn’t qualify for the WTC final in England, one can rest assured that all four super seniors won’t be on that flight to the UK for the ensuing five-Test series. In any case, all four have likely played their final Test at home together,” the source added.
It is understood that the BCCI is not keen on repeating the 2011 saga when suddenly an old team was found to be out of sorts. Hence, the selectors, especially chairman Agarkar and head coach Gambhir, would need to talk to the senior cricketers about the plan.
For India to not depend on any other calculations to qualify for the WTC final, they would require a 4-0 result Down Under, which looks new but is impossible.
India can still qualify after losing the Border Gavaskar Trophy if other teams don’t fare well.
But once the Australia series is over and if India doesn’t qualify — the next cycle will start with a five-Test series in England from June 20 next year at Leeds — the selection committee might be compelled to look at long-term prospects with chances given to players like Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, who looks ready for international cricket.
With Washington Sundar emerging as a strong prospect for the next 10 years, Ashwin’s future in India whites could be up for discussion once the Australia series ends.
With better fitness and handy batting on foreign tracks, Jadeja might persist. However, there is a ready replacement for Indian conditions in Axar Patel. Manav Suthar is third in the pecking order.
In the case of batters, between February 2021 and the current match, skipper Rohit Sharma scored 1210 runs from 35 innings in home Tests at an average of 37.81 with four hundreds. However, in the last ten innings, there have been six scores of less than ten runs and two scores of less than 20, with two half-centuries.
During the same period, Virat Kohli has played 25 innings at home for 742 runs at an average of 30.91 and one century on a flat Ahmedabad deck.
“No doubt pitches in Australia will be far better for batting, but erasing self-doubts after this humiliation will be difficult,” a former selector said.
While Kohli, with his supreme fitness, can overstay his invitation despite poor returns for close to four years, one can’t see Rohit playing beyond this cycle of the World Test Championship.
Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain, but he might not be the long-term solution due to his workload management. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the two candidates who look suitable for Test leadership.
It’s a bittersweet time in Indian cricket. The players we grew up idolizing, whose exploits on the field are etched into the memories of millions, are now facing the inevitable impact of time. As the careers of some of India’s cricketing legends begin to wind down, fans and pundits ask a painful question: is this the end of an era? This article will explore the uncertain future facing India’s ageing stars, the legacy they’ll leave behind, and what the next chapter holds for Indian cricket.
The Rise and Legacy of India’s Cricket Legends
India’s current generation of cricket stars has redefined the sport for the country, bringing unparalleled success and elevating Indian cricket on the global stage. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin have dominated with their skills, amassing records and proudly representing the nation. These players didn’t just make history; they inspired an entire generation to embrace cricket, becoming household names.
The Reality of Ageing in Sports
Every athlete faces a battle with age, and cricket is no exception. Age brings reduced stamina, decreased agility, and increased injury risk. While experience can compensate for some physical decline, the intense fitness demands of modern cricket make it increasingly challenging for older players to keep up. This natural ageing process has left Indian cricket fans wondering how long their heroes can keep delivering.
The Indian Cricket Veterans Facing Uncertain Futures
As India’s cricket roster evolves, some of its most iconic players face dwindling opportunities and mounting uncertainty about their roles. While these veterans have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history, questions loom about how long they can stay competitive in a team constantly scouting new talent.
Virat Kohli: The Backbone of Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli has been the face of Indian cricket for over a decade. Known for his aggression, fitness, and exceptional batting skills, Kohli has set benchmarks that are hard to match. However, as he enters his mid-thirties, whispers of his waning form start circulating. While his fitness level remains exemplary, maintaining his position as one of the top players will require continued discipline and drive.
Rohit Sharma: The Hitman’s Decline?
Rohit Sharma’s powerful batting style and remarkable ability to hit big scores have made him a legend. Yet, his recent form has seen dips, with fans and critics questioning whether his prime years are behind him. At 36, Sharma’s place in the Indian cricket lineup may be tested as younger players rise.
Ravichandran Ashwin: A Master in Transition
Ashwin has brought a unique intelligence to the game, redefining spin bowling for India. His ability to adapt and innovate has allowed him to remain relevant, even as age creeps in. Yet, with the advent of younger, faster bowlers, there’s pressure on Ashwin to make way, even if his skills remain invaluable.
Ajinkya Rahane: The Vice-Captain’s Silent Departure?
Once a key player in India’s Test team, Ajinkya Rahane’s journey has been less celebrated than some of his contemporaries. Rahane’s performance has been steady but not as eye-catching as others, leading many to speculate about his future in the team. While his leadership skills are acknowledged, the lack of consistent form makes his future in Indian cricket uncertain.
The Young Guns: Rising Stars Ready to Take Over
As the senior players face a possible exit, young cricketers like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant are ready to step in and make their mark. These players bring fresh energy, aggressive techniques, and unmatched enthusiasm. Their rise symbolizes a new era, signalling that India’s cricketing future is in capable hands.
The Financial Factor: Sponsorships and Endorsements
Many cricket veterans have lucrative endorsement deals that are directly tied to their on-field visibility. The financial implications of retirement can be significant, making players think twice about stepping away. While brand associations often keep players in the limelight, they can complicate retirement decisions, especially for players whose off-field earnings rival their on-field income.
Possible Scenarios for India’s Senior Players
The future could unfold in various ways for India’s ageing stars. Some may take on mentorship roles, while others might announce their retirements in grand farewell tours. Alternatively, they may remain active in domestic leagues like the IPL, where experience remains valuable.
Conclusion
The end of an era is always bittersweet. As India’s cricketing legends face uncertain futures, the torch is being passed to a new generation. While saying goodbye to icons is hard, it’s a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of sports. Indian cricket’s future remains bright as young talent steps up to continue the legacy of greatness.
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