Former Australia player Ian Chappell has opened up on the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them ‘ageing’ players in the build-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India are 0-2 behind in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, and there is a chance of a series whitewash.
Virat and Rohit have been found wanting ahead of the tour of Australia. Chappell believes that they could be impacted by what the fans and critics say from outside. A section of fans reckons that Rohit and Virat are past their prime. Chappell feels the two can return to form on better Australian pitches that offer bounce.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are good batters, but Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ageing stars. They are at the age where things start going downhill,” Chappel said during a discussion on World Wide Sports.
“Their only hope is the Australian pitches, as they can score runs on the bouncy tracks over here,” he added.
Former Aussie captain Mark Taylor agreed to what Chappell said. “For me, Jaiswal and Gill are excellent players. India have moved on from Pujara and Rahane, and they are left with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“However, they are not making runs, and it is putting pressure on the other batters. I know others can also score, but you need more runs from the best players, and that hasn’t been the case in the last 12-18 months.”
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