Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to survive the axe

Dubai: The storm clouds of defeat have barely lifted, yet the fate of India’s cricketing stalwarts — Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Gautam Gambhir — remains the hottest topic in town. A 3-0 drubbing at home against New Zealand followed by a dismal outing in Australia has left fans fuming, with calls for drastic changes echoing across cricketing circles. But in a surprising show of faith, the Indian cricket board has decided to hold its ground, leaving the trio intact for upcoming challenges.

Fans, former players, and pundits alike have weighed in, with opinions ranging from reshuffling leadership to resting senior players. Yet, the board is looking for stability over upheaval, keeping Kohli and Sharma in the line-up for the Champions Trophy in Dubai and Pakistan, and the Test series in England this June. Meanwhile, Gambhir continues to chart the team’s future, unshaken by the mounting criticism.

“Yes, there will be a review meeting but no firing. You can’t sack a coach for the batters’ poor show in one series. Gautam Gambhir will remain the coach, and Virat and Rohit will feature in the England series. The focus is the Champions Trophy,” BCCI sources told IANS on Tuesday.

Before the Champions Trophy, England will tour India for five Twenty20 matches and three One-Day Internationals. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have retired from the T20 format after winning the World Cup in October, will aim to rediscover their form in the ODIs before heading to Dubai.

Star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled for form during the Australian tour, with Rohit stepping down as captain in the final Test in Sydney. After a promising start with a victory in the first Test in Perth, the Indian team’s performance plummeted in subsequent matches.

While critics argue that Rohit should either be dropped or consider retirement, former cricketer Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind his former teammates.

“People have forgotten what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have done in the past. Kohli has scored seven Test hundreds in Australia, and India won the two Test series in Australia. Virat got some good balls, and probably a couple of shots could have been avoided. Those who are criticising them are fickle-minded,” the former all-rounder told Gulf News.

Coach Gambhir, speaking after the Sydney loss, also offered his support to the players while emphasising that their future decisions are personal.

“I can’t talk about the future of any player; it’s up to them as well,” he said on Sunday. “What I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion. They are tough people, and, hopefully, they can continue to take Indian cricket forward.

“But ultimately, whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interests of Indian cricket.”

While fans have voiced their disappointment over Kohli and Sharma’s recent performances, a few solid innings during the England series could win back their support and bolster India’s chances at the Champions Trophy.