November 14, 2024: Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has stirred some conversation ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), suggesting that for Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this series could be a make-or-break moment for their Test careers.
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Speaking on ESPN’s Around the Wicket podcast, Clarke hinted that if the two stars fail to perform in the BGT, it could signal the end of their Test careers, though he added that they wouldn’t be dropped from the squad outright.
Clarke said, “If it is their last time here in Australia, I think it will be retirement. They would not be dropped, but in the same breath, I think every cricketer knows that if you are not making runs or taking wickets, there will be conversations around that kind of a thing.”
He further elaborated on the pressure that comes with being a captain or a top-ranked batter, noting, “Being the captain of the team, you get a slack for that, and if you are the world’s best batter for the last 10 years—maybe longer—across formats, I think Virat may get a bit more slack than somebody else.”
Clarke, however, expressed hope for both Rohit and Virat, as well as for the future of Test cricket. He stated, “I hope for this series’ sake, Test cricket’s sakes, they both come out, get back to their best form and score plenty of runs for India, but also Test cricket.” The Australian legend also emphasized the excitement of watching India’s top-order battle it out against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
The comments come in the wake of a tough home season for India, where both Rohit and Kohli had below-par performances against Bangladesh and New Zealand. With the first Test of the BGT set to begin on November 22 in Perth, both veterans will be under significant pressure to perform. If they fail to rediscover their form, it could have major implications not just for their own careers, but also for India’s prospects in the series.
This series will be particularly intriguing as both players have been integral to India’s rise in Test cricket, but their form has been on the decline in recent months. Whether they can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most could shape the future of India’s Test cricket team.
