Virat Kohli In, Rohit Sharma Out: Former India coach makes blunt Verdict on Stalwarts amid Melbourne Test

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Former India coach Ravi Shastri has given a crucial verdict on the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Reports suggest that Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire amid the Australia Test series might pave the way for more retirements during or after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Among the names circulating were Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two stalwarts of Indian cricket currently experiencing a dip in form.

The rumours gained traction on Monday after both players registered double failures in Melbourne. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, however, offered contrasting opinions on their Test futures, fueling further discussion about what lies ahead for the duo.

Rohit Sharma's dismal run in Australia reached its nadir on Day 5 of the fourth Test, where he was dismissed for 9 off 40 balls during India's chase of 340 to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian captain's series statistics make grim reading: 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20, marking the worst performance by a visiting captain in Australia. This rough patch is part of a broader decline, with Rohit managing only 164 runs at an average of 10.25 since September.

Speaking to the broadcasters on Day 5, Shastri did not hold back in assessing Rohit's current form.

"As far as Rohit is concerned, it's a call. At the top of the order, you know, just feel the footwork isn't the same. He's probably at times late in meeting the ball, so it's his call at the end of the series," Shastri remarked, hinting that retirement might be an option for the 37-year-old skipper.

In contrast, Virat Kohli showed glimpses of brilliance during the series, notably his century in Perth, which raised hopes of a resurgence after a lean patch against New Zealand in November. However, Kohli has managed only 64 runs in the next five innings, thus heightening his future concerns as well. Despite this, Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to prolong his Test career.

"I think Virat will play for some time. Forget the way he got out, or whatever. I think he'll play for another three or four years," Shastri said, firmly backing the 36-year-old.

Both Kohli and Rohit have been stalwarts for India for years but the recent form has been concerning. With only the Sydney Test remaining in the series, the whole world is in bated breath to know the stance of their favourite stars.