Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of Team India, thinks that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should consider playing some domestic cricket to regain their form. After the recent loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both players faced heavy criticism for their poor performances, as neither managed to score significantly.

Rohit only managed 31 runs over five innings, while Kohli scored a total of 190 runs in nine innings, including a century in the first match in Perth. Their struggles were a big factor in India not being able to consistently score over 200 runs.

Rohit had a tough time at the crease, finding various ways to get out, which led him to step down from the final match in Sydney, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to take over as captain.

Kohli, on the other hand, faced similar issues, getting out eight times while trying to chase wide balls.

Shastri suggested that if there's an opportunity, both players should return to domestic cricket. He emphasized that playing at that level can help them stay in touch with the current generation and share their experience with younger players. He also pointed out that it’s crucial for them to face spin bowling, especially since India has struggled against quality spinners on turning pitches.

The next Ranji Trophy starts on January 23, and it will be interesting to see if Rohit and Kohli decide to play for Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.

It's the craving and longing

Ravi Shastri mentioned that it really comes down to the hunger and drive of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former coach of India believes that playing in domestic cricket could really help them tackle spinners on tricky pitches.

India recently faced a tough 3-0 defeat against New Zealand at home. With losses to both the Kiwis and Australia, this marks the first time India has missed out on qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC).

“They might have had some luck in a few series, but New Zealand really showed their weaknesses before they went to Australia. So I’d say it’s all about that,” Shastri pointed out.

“And then there’s the hunger and desire. When you hit your 30s, one’s 36 and the other’s 38. They definitely know how much they want it,” he added.

Shastri also believes that Virat Kohli still has a lot to offer Indian cricket, especially in mentoring the younger players.

“I think a key factor for this team is the transition and the young talent coming up. Look at Jaiswal, he’s just 23. Shubman Gill is around 22 or 23. Nitish Reddy is only 21,” Shastri noted.

“There are plenty of young players. Rishabh Pant is still quite young too, at about 25 or 26. So there are a lot of guys who could really gain from the experience of someone like Virat Kohli,” he added.

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