The Indian cricket team has embarked on a new journey in test cricket. Without recently retired stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, they’re set to take on England in a test series. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar isn’t pleased with new test captain Gill’s statement that he’ll feel pressure without Virat and Rohit.
Manjrekar says, “I’ve got a word for Kohli and Rohit – stop. I support this sentiment in white-ball cricket, but when it comes to red-ball cricket, there’s no comparison between the two.” He adds, “Let me show you some numbers.”
In test cricket, especially in SENA countries, a batsman’s real test begins. Virat Kohli has 12 centuries and 30 test centuries in these countries. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has just one century in SENA countries, with an average of 40 in over 100 innings. Manjrekar claims, “If Rohit continued playing or went to England, his average would drop to 30. I’m not entirely sure, but that’s my estimate.”
Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can’t be compared in red-ball cricket. “They’re in different leagues,” he says. The numbers suggest Virat’s dominance in test cricket, especially in challenging conditions. As the Indian team navigates this new era without Rohit and Virat, they’ll need to find new ways to succeed in test cricket.