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Xtra Time Web Desk: The recent home Test series has exposed troubling signs for India's senior players, especially for captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have struggled with form, registering only two fifties between them across five Tests in the 2024 season. Rohit managed 133 runs in 10 innings, while Kohli accumulated 192 runs. These performances highlight their declining returns, raising questions about their approach to preparation and adaptation to challenging spin-friendly conditions.

After India’s 0-3 defeat to New Zealand, Rohit admitted in his post-match conference that he hadn’t performed to his potential, both in his batting and captaincy. He faced difficult questions regarding his tactical decisions, acknowledging that they might have contributed to India’s one-sided loss.

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Kohli's Concerning Decline

Virat Kohli’s struggles with spin are becoming more apparent, especially against left-arm spinners, where he averages just 20.41, having been dismissed 12 times in this manner since 2020. His reluctance to engage in domestic cricket only heightens concerns. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in 2012, and despite encouragement from the BCCI to play in the Duleep Trophy before the Bangladesh series, he and Rohit opted out.

Rohit's Aggressive Tactics Backfire

Rohit’s attempt to apply an aggressive approach against the new ball has not translated well in Tests. His white-ball style led to quick dismissals, as he scored only 91 runs in three Tests against New Zealand. A careless attempt to hit Matt Henry’s short ball for six in the final innings of the Mumbai Test exemplifies his recent tendency to take unnecessary risks.

Read More: IND vs NZ: India's top cricketers ignored Duleep Trophy, suffered in test series! Find out who

Implications for Team Dynamics

India has set a precedent by dropping players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to regain form in domestic circuits. With Rohit and Kohli struggling, the selectors are under pressure to hold senior players to the same standards. Should they persist in their current form, questions around accountability and commitment to domestic cricket will continue to loom, especially as India’s Test team navigates one of its toughest phases in recent memory.