India’s 10-wicket to defeat Australia within the Pink-Ball Take a look at in Adelaide final Sunday has raised criticism of the senior batters, together with captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
West Indies tempo legend Andy Roberts is not sure if the guests could make a revival within the collection after the defeat undid the success at Perth, whereas additionally throwing up questions on India’s batting and bowling departments.
Chatting with mid-day, Roberts stated India can not endure one other batting failure within the third Take a look at in Brisbane, beginning Saturday, whereas additionally highlighting Kohli’s long-standing struggles within the red-ball format. “I don’t know if there will probably be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, however get your batting proper. Certainly one of your finest batsmen of all time has been struggling for the final 5 years,” Roberts advised mid-day whereas referring to Kohli.
The 36-year-old Kohli’s Take a look at common has plunged to an eight-year low of 47.72. In 2024, Kohli averages 26.64 after 16 innings, his lowest for any calendar yr the place he has appeared in not less than 10 innings. He has solely aggregated three Take a look at lots of since 2020. The previous India captain fell for scores of seven and 11 in Adelaide, caught behind on each events.
“He must be targeted on the longer model of the sport. You’ll get runs and rating closely in Take a look at cricket solely when you’re absolutely targeted on the longer type. The usual of Take a look at cricket shouldn’t be the identical. The highest batsmen look as if they’re struggling,” Roberts added.
The West Indies stalwart who totalled over 200 wickets in his profession can be unsure as to why India opted to bat first within the pink-ball Take a look at. Rohit Sharma’s facet was bundled out for 180 in 44.1 overs earlier than the hosts took a decisive 157-run lead. India was later shot out for 175, setting a paltry 19-run goal.
“Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s quick bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in each innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my quick bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers within the earlier Take a look at, I’m not going to offer the rivals the primary desire within the subsequent Take a look at. Keep in mind, you aren’t taking part in on Indian pitches,” remarked Roberts.