Former Indian cricketer Surinder Khanna has voiced strong criticism of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following India’s crushing 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Khanna has urged the team management and selectors to bench the underperforming stars, emphasizing the need for bold decisions to rejuvenate the team.

Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth, has struggled for runs throughout the series. In five innings across three Tests, the Indian captain has managed only 31 runs. His decision to shuffle between middle-order and top-order positions has also failed to yield results.

Similarly, Virat Kohli’s inconsistency remains a concern. Despite a century in the opening Test in Perth, Kohli has been unable to replicate the performance, scoring just 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in subsequent innings. His repeated struggles outside the off-stump have added to India’s woes, even as he showed glimpses of his form in the Boxing Day Test.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are totally out of form. When your key players are not scoring, it becomes difficult to win matches,” Khanna told IANS. “Australia played better cricket and used conditions to their advantage. Meanwhile, our younger players like (Nitish Kumar) Reddy and (Yashasvi) Jaiswal are stepping up, and it’s time to trust them more.”

A call for bold decisions

Khanna urged the selectors and team management to have honest discussions with the senior players about their form and future. “You need the guts to have a one-to-one conversation with Rohit and Virat, asking them to make way for others. Senior players are expected to lead with performances, but they have been consistently falling short. Sometimes, tough decisions are needed to get the desired results,” he added.

The former cricketer also hinted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might allow the players to announce their decisions regarding retirement, but he stressed that “the writing is on the wall” for both stars.

A year of decline

Khanna pointed out that 2024 has been a particularly poor year for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket, with both averaging under 25. Despite their legendary status, their performances over the last 40-45 innings have not met expectations, raising concerns about their future in the longest format of the game.

“A lot of focus is often placed on players like Rishabh Pant for their aggressive style, but the real issue is the inconsistency of senior batters like Rohit and Kohli,” he remarked.

Series finale at Sydney

With Australia leading the five-match series 2-1, the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 3 will be pivotal. The pressure remains high on India’s senior players to deliver, but Khanna’s remarks underline growing impatience among cricketing circles.

As the debate over their form intensifies, the Sydney Test could potentially mark a turning point in the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Whether they silence their critics or pave the way for the next generation remains to be seen.

The comment on dropping senior stars after the Boxing Day debacle raises a valid point, given the ongoing struggles of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have been out of form, with low scores in recent matches, and their inability to contribute consistently has been a concern for Team India. 

While it’s crucial to recognize their past achievements and leadership roles, the current form of these players impacts the team’s performance. The question of whether it’s legitimate to bench them stems from the need for a fresh approach and the desire for younger players to step up. 

However, making such a bold call requires careful consideration of the long-term strategy for the team. It’s not just about the present match but also about building a strong squad for future challenges, making this comment a legitimate topic for discussion.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly preparing to announce his retirement from Test cricket following the conclusion of the ongoing five-match series against Australia. According to a report by Times of India, sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors suggest that Sharma’s decision is final, with no indications of a change in course.

While the exact timing of the announcement remains unclear, it is expected to come after the final Test match in Sydney, marking the end of a significant chapter in Rohit Sharma’s illustrious career. However, if India secures a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, there is a possibility that Sharma could approach the selectors to reconsider his decision, attempting to extend his tenure in the longer format.

Rohit Sharma’s recent performances have sparked speculation about his future in Test cricket. During the fourth Test, following a heavy defeat to Australia, Sharma admitted to being “disturbed” by his form and the team’s collective struggles. With just 31 runs in six innings across three Tests, his batting has come under intense scrutiny, with many questioning his ability to continue at the highest level.

In his post-match comments, the 36-year-old captain expressed frustration over his lack of form and the personal challenges he was facing. “There are a lot of things I am trying to do, but they’re just not falling into place the way I would want them to,” he revealed. “It is disturbing without a doubt. When you come here and try to do what you’re supposed to and things don’t fall into place, it is disappointing.”

Despite the mounting pressure and the growing calls for his retirement, Rohit Sharma is determined not to exit without putting up a fight. “As a captain, yes, it’s disappointing when the results don’t go our way,” he said, acknowledging the frustration. However, he emphasized that the focus should remain in the future, rather than dwelling on past performances.

As speculation continues to swirl around his retirement, all eyes will be on Sharma’s final appearance in the ongoing Test series. Will he walk away after the series or could there be a final twist to his career? Only time will tell.

The Pakistani drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has quickly captured the hearts of viewers, becoming one of the most-watched shows of 2024. This remarkable drama stands out for its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and exceptional performances by its lead actors, Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir.

The on-screen chemistry between Mustafa and Sharjeena has become a significant highlight, further elevating the emotional depth of the drama.

At the core of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is a portrayal of love, familial dynamics, and the pressures that come with it, resonating deeply with audiences. The drama touches on themes of self-discovery, love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, which have made it not only a fan favorite but also a conversation starter across social media.

As viewers continue to get captivated by the intense emotions and dramatic twists, the memorable dialogues shared by Mustafa and Sharjeena have become iconic. These lines not only reflect the essence of their characters but also capture the essence of modern-day love, challenges, and hopes.

From moments of passion to heart-wrenching confessions, these dialogues have etched a lasting impression on the minds of fans.

Here are some of the best and most unforgettable dialogues from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum that have made Mustafa and Sharjeena’s love story even more enchanting:

1. Mustafa to Sharjeena: “Meri zindagi ki har khushi tum se hi toh shuru hoti hai.” (My every happiness in life begins with you.)
2. Sharjeena to Mustafa: “Jab tum saath ho toh duniya ki har mushkil asaan lagti hai.” (When you’re with me, every difficulty in the world feels easy.)
3. Mustafa’s heartfelt confession: “Tum meri zindagi ka sabse khoobsurat hissa ho, aur mein tumhe kabhi apni zindagi se door nahi kar sakta.” (You are the most beautiful part of my life, and I can never keep you away from it.)
4. Sharjeena in a moment of vulnerability: “Mujhe apni har khushi aur gham tumse baantna hai, kyunki tumhare bina yeh sab adhura hai.” (I want to share every joy and sorrow with you because without you, everything feels incomplete.)
5. Mustafa, with a promise: “Jitni bar bhi tumhe zarurat ho, main hamesha tumhare saath hoon.” (No matter how many times you need me, I’ll always be there for you.)

These dialogues have not only captured the essence of their complex love story but have also won over the hearts of fans who relate to their struggles and hopes. Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has set a new benchmark for Pakistani drama, with its authentic portrayal of love, emotional depth, and the challenges that come with relationships in a society that often weighs heavily on individual choices.

With its powerful storytelling, unforgettable performances, and remarkable chemistry between Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is sure to remain a beloved show for a long time. The drama’s dialogues, packed with emotion and sincerity, continue to echo in the hearts of viewers, leaving a lasting impact as we step into 2025.