Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed doubts about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Vaughan emphasized that Kohli and Rohit’s performances will be crucial if India hopes to win against Australia.
India is under pressure following a disappointing 3-0 series loss to New Zealand at home. Both Kohli and Rohit struggled with the bat, averaging under 16 in that series, which has raised concerns about their form in Test cricket.
Speaking to Fox Cricket during the Australia-Pakistan ODI, Vaughan said that for India to succeed against Australia, Kohli and Rohit need to be at their best, although he fears they may be past their peak. He also noted the challenge of facing Australia’s world-class bowling lineup.
“The one thing that India are going to require to win here in Australia is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli getting big runs and getting back to their best. I hope they do, I fear they won’t,” Vaughan said.
“They might be just over the edge, and when you face an Australian attack, one of the greatest in their own backyard, you have to come with strong technique and an amazing mentality,” he added.
Vaughan mentioned a specific moment from the New Zealand series when Kohli missed a full toss from Mitchell Santner suggesting he is struggling with his form. He also noted that India managed to beat Australia at the Gabba in the last series without Kohli.
“They won last time without Virat Kohli to chase down that target at the Gabba, where Australia hadn’t lost a Test in 32 years. But I will say there’s a real concern around Kohli. Missing that full toss to Mitchell Santner—that’s not the Virat Kohli we know. He’s clearly fighting for form,” said Vaughan.
Kohli has missed some recent Tests but has a strong overall record in Australia, with 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. However, he has averaged just 22 since his return to Test cricket against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
