Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a debate by claiming that Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are past their prime in Test cricket. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Manjrekar expressed concerns about the form and longevity of India’s top two batsmen in the longest format of the game.
“Kohli and Rohit have been phenomenal for India, no doubt about that, but when it comes to Test cricket, they are no longer at their peak,” Manjrekar said. “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, but consistency has taken a hit, especially in challenging overseas conditions.”
Kohli, once hailed for his dominance in all formats, has faced a dip in his Test form, with fewer centuries to his name in recent years. Similarly, while Rohit Sharma has enjoyed success as an opener, critics have pointed to his struggles on tough pitches, particularly outside the subcontinent.
Manjrekar’s comments come at a time when India’s Test team is undergoing a period of transition, with younger players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal making their mark. While both Kohli and Rohit remain crucial to the team, the focus is now on how long they can maintain their influence in the longest format.
With the upcoming Australia series set to test India’s batting lineup, all eyes will be on the two veterans to see if they can still deliver match-winning performances and silence their critics.
