Rohit Sharma has always stepped up to the plate, especially since he took on the role of India’s all-format captain in March 2022. He made it his mission to lead the charge in white-ball cricket and stayed true to his approach, even when things didn’t go as planned, like during the 50-over World Cup final against Australia.

However, in the longer format, he hasn’t been as innovative as a leader or as inspiring with the bat, particularly this season. India has faced defeat in four out of their last five Tests under his captaincy, including three losses at home to New Zealand, and his personal performance hasn’t been great either. With Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket following the Brisbane Test on Wednesday, there’s been a lot of chatter about what’s next for Rohit and Virat Kohli.

The skipper's only half-century in his last 13 innings came during the third week of October against the Kiwis in Bengaluru. Other than that, his bat has been pretty quiet. With a string of poor results and not many significant scores, the pressure is definitely on him. Just like he did in Bengaluru when he admitted to a mistake in choosing to bat first, leading to his team getting bowled out for 46, he recognized after the draw at the Gabba that he needs to step up his game.

At the same time, Rohit shared his thoughts on why he thinks a turnaround is just around the corner. "I haven't batted well, and I'm okay with admitting that," he said. "But I know what I'm thinking and how I'm getting ready. I've checked all the right boxes. It's just about putting in the time - I'm confident I'm close. As long as my mind, body, and feet are in sync, I'm feeling good about how things are going. It’s been a while since I scored big, but I'm feeling positive."

Retirement is a deeply personal choice, and no one should force it on anyone else. Ashwin decided to step away on his own terms, even with two games left in the series. Rohit can’t be pushed or pressured into retiring, but if the selectors think it’s necessary, they can hold him responsible. India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final for the third time are hanging by a thread, and they’re starting the next cycle with a five-Test series in England this June. The upcoming two Tests in Australia will be crucial in determining the future – whether Rohit will be in England to help transition a new captain or if the decision-makers believe it’s time for a fresh start with a new leader and a different approach.

Time's running out for Rohit and Kohli.

Rohit knows he really needs to start racking up those runs in the Test matches. If he doesn't, no matter how likable he is, he might find himself in a tough spot. Kohli, the captain he took over from, is in a similar boat. His second-innings century in Perth, which was set up by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, is starting to seem more like a one-off than anything consistent.

They believe that a dismissal is just that, and an out is an out, regardless of how it happens. Rohit has faced three different types of dismissals this series from various deliveries, but Kohli has fallen victim to the classic mistake – chasing a ball in the corridor outside off that he just can't resist. Whether this comes from a need to connect with the ball or a desire to take control over the bowler is up for discussion. What’s clear, though, is that he’s taken a step back to one of the toughest times in his Test career, reminiscent of the 2014 England tour when he kept getting caught behind the wickets, managing only 134 runs over ten innings. To make matters worse, he’s been dismissed in that same way four times in the last month.

Kohli may be younger and in better shape than Rohit, but that doesn't mean he gets a free pass. He realizes he has to step up and contribute soon. If not, the selectors and team management will have to rethink their options. India definitely doesn't want to lose both of their top batsmen at once, but that will depend entirely on how they perform in the upcoming two Tests and the next three weeks.

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