The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing increasing calls to handle Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with greater sensitivity, acknowledging their immense contributions and stature in Indian cricket. This comes after strong performances from both players in the recent ODI series, where their experience and class were on full display.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has voiced strong support for treating Kohli and Sharma differently, emphasizing that their place in the ODI setup should be unquestioned. He argued that their years of service and recent performances warrant a different evaluation standard. Bangar highlighted their impact on team morale, noting that their presence alone changes the dressing room atmosphere. In the recent series against South Africa, Kohli, who was named Player of the Series, scored 135, 102, and 65 not out, while Sharma contributed 57 and 75.
The debate surrounding Kohli and Sharma's roles intensified following speculation about Kohli's potential Test retirement and their participation in domestic cricket. Reports suggested that the BCCI wanted Kohli to reconsider his Test retirement, which the board subsequently denied. Additionally, the BCCI reportedly mandated that both players participate in domestic cricket to maintain fitness, with Sharma agreeing to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy while Kohli initially declined.
This difference in approach has drawn criticism, with some suggesting that Kohli is being held to a different standard despite his legendary status. Concerns have also emerged about a possible rift between Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir, adding to the tension surrounding the senior players. Amidst these discussions, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has cautioned the BCCI against "needling" Kohli and Sharma, emphasizing their irreplaceable value to the team. Shastri stressed that any attempt to undermine them could backfire, referring to them as "white-ball giants".
Kohli and Sharma's achievements in ODI cricket are remarkable. Kohli has an impressive record against South Africa, with an average nearly twice that of Sharma's. He has scored 1639 runs in 30 innings against South Africa, with an average of 68.29, including seven centuries. Sharma, while possessing the potential to dominate, has shown less consistency against the same opponent. Overall, Kohli has 43 ODI centuries, while Sharma has 29.
Both players have also achieved significant milestones in Australia, with Sharma scoring 1328 runs in 30 ODIs and Kohli scoring 1327 runs in 29 matches. Each has five centuries in Australia, demonstrating their ability to perform in challenging conditions. Sharma stands out with a high score of 171* against Australia, the highest ODI score by an Indian on Australian soil.
As India looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup, the roles of Kohli and Sharma as specialist batsmen are crucial. The BCCI's challenge lies in managing their transition while ensuring team unity and morale. Open communication and a clear understanding of their contributions are essential to avoid any potential fallout. Treating them with respect and providing them with the necessary space will be vital for Indian cricket's success.
