Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: How was the India duo in Test Cricket in 2024?

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The year 2024 presented an array of similarities in the performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both vying for dominance in their respective roles for India in Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma has been lambasted over the last few weeks for his dismal run in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India ended the 2024 calendar year with a defeat in Melbourne and has their WTC Final hopes almost out of the window.

Virat Kohli has also been subject to criticism, but pundits and fans have still spared him compared to Rohit, as a large section have already called for his retirement from the Test format. The India captain has been the victim of most of the hurls on social media and TV, as many have directly accused Rohit's inability being the cause of India's struggle.

India has lost five out of the last seven matches, and it is true that they solitary match they won, Rohit Sharma was not part of that. But is the India captain being treated in the right manner?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Year in 2024 in Tests

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both have had an underwhelming 2024 in terms of Test cricket. Rohit had a higher aggregate with 619 runs at an average of 24.76, Kohli's performances have not been good at all, finishing with 417 runs at 24.52.

Rohit Sharma in 2024

Rohit played 14 matches and scored two centuries, including a commanding 131 agianst England earlier this year. His strike rate of 63.03 demonstrated his intent to take on bowlers. However, his average of 24.76 was a stark decline from previous years, highlighting his vulnerability to inconsistent starts and lapses in concentration.

The India captain has been barren in terms of runs in the last few months. Rohit scored only 91 runs across six innings against New Zealand, a series which India lost 0-3 at home. And his arid form has continued in Australia with even graver consequences. Rohit has ended 2024 with just 31 runs in his last six innings down under, largely aggravating the pundits and fans against his status as a Test player for India.

Virat Kohli in 2024

Kohli had a quieter year statistically, playing 10 matches for 417 runs, including a solitary century (100*) and one fifty. Kohli's 2024 story is marked by resilience but the batter has fallen prey to his usual weakness repeatedly.

Kohli was unavailable in the England series but he only managed one century and one fifty in the entire year. In the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli started off with a century in Perth, but since has been short of runs again. His average of 24.52 speaks volumes of the player's dismal outing this calendar year.

Can Rohit, Virat come out of Trouble?

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are legends of the game and have all the mettle to overcome adversities. But their age and lack of form will take a massive toll if the duo continue to perform underwhelmingly. Rohit and Virat both are expected to play in the Champions League, which shall play a major role in their fortune in 2025.

In terms of Test cricket, it is a matter of rediscovering oneself. Amid the current adversities, Rohit and Virat will have to reset their button and keep faith in their class. Although India won't play any Test in the next six months, if Kohli and Rohit both keep themselves fit and find form in the Champions League, they may still have some punches left in their red ball career.