The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket has undoubtedly created a significant void in the Indian team, especially as they prepare for a challenging five-match Test series against England starting June 20 in Leeds. While both players have been instrumental to India's success in recent years, former England great Geoffrey Boycott believes that Kohli's absence will be felt more acutely than Sharma's.
Boycott, in his column for The Daily Telegraph, stated that Kohli's retirement is a bigger blow, as he was "their best batsman and talisman in all three formats." He acknowledged Rohit Sharma's superb batting skills but suggested that his Test record was "good rather than exceptional" and that his recent form had been inconsistent. This perspective highlights the differing impacts the two players have had in the Test arena, despite their overall stature in international cricket.
Several factors contribute to Boycott's assessment. Firstly, Kohli's remarkable consistency and hunger for runs, particularly in challenging conditions, have set him apart. He has amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries, with a solid average of 46.85. In contrast, Rohit Sharma, while a formidable opener, has a Test average of 40.57 with 12 centuries in 67 Tests. Notably, Kohli boasts a superior record in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, which are known for their seaming tracks.
Secondly, Kohli's aggressive and dominant approach has often lifted the team's performance, making him a key player in crucial matches. Boycott emphasized Kohli's "fighting spirit" and "competitiveness," qualities that England captain Ben Stokes also acknowledged, expressing his disappointment at not being able to play against Kohli. Stokes highlighted that Kohli's absence is a "shame" for the series and a significant loss for world cricket.
Furthermore, Boycott pointed out that the relentless schedule of international cricket may have taken a toll on Kohli, leading to his retirement. He suggested that Kohli might have been "drained" due to the constant pressure and lack of rest. This perspective aligns with the understanding that maintaining peak performance across all formats can be mentally and physically taxing.
While Rohit Sharma's contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, his struggles in adapting to overseas conditions, especially in England, have been well-documented. Boycott noted that Sharma "was never a natural athlete like Kohli" and that opening the innings in England, where the new ball moves around more, would have been a significant challenge for him. However, Rohit did have an impressive outing in India's previous tour of England, where he ended as India's highest run-scorer with 368 runs in four Tests.
In light of these factors, Boycott's assessment appears to be rooted in a statistical analysis and an understanding of the specific challenges that the English conditions pose. Kohli's absence will not only leave a void in the batting lineup but also deprive the team of a leader whose tenacity and unwavering determination have inspired countless victories. As India embarks on a new era under Shubman Gill's captaincy, the team will undoubtedly miss Kohli's presence and will need to find ways to compensate for his absence.
