Following India's disappointing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home, the focus has shifted to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s greatest cricketers. Both are under mounting pressure to rediscover their form ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia. Mohammad Kaif, former India cricketer, has made a bold recommendation—urging Kohli and Sharma to feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy before the BGT begins.

In a social media video that has stirred debate, Kaif advised the senior duo to get some vital match practice in domestic cricket. With India’s first Test in the BGT scheduled for November 22 in Perth, Kaif emphasized that playing the Ranji Trophy would offer Kohli and Sharma the perfect platform to fine-tune their skills ahead of the demanding tour. "They need form, and they need to bat for hours," Kaif said, stressing that strong domestic performances would be key to getting back on track.

Kaif’s call was also influenced by the rise of Rishabh Pant during India’s 2020/21 series in Australia. Pant, initially not in India’s limited-overs squad, used a practice match in Sydney, where he scored a century, to earn his spot in the Test side. From there, he played a pivotal role, including a match-winning 89 at the Gabba in the series-deciding Test. This serves as an example of how domestic cricket can act as a springboard to success on the international stage.

Kaif’s message is clear: despite the comforts of international cricket, the best way to regain form is through hard, relentless practice. "Forget the luxury of travel and big cars... if you want to find form, you need to put in the effort," Kaif added.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Under Pressure: Can They Make a Comeback?

Kaif’s advice comes at a crucial time for Kohli and Sharma. Both players, despite their illustrious careers, are facing challenges, particularly in the Test format. Kohli’s 2023-24 Test record has been underwhelming, with only 250 runs from six matches at an average of 22.72. At 36, the upcoming series in Australia could determine the future of his Test career. However, his past successes in Australia, including a memorable century in Adelaide during the 2011-12 series, provide hope for a resurgence.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s struggles have been more pronounced. In the recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, Rohit managed just 91 runs in three Tests. His issues with mistiming pull shots, particularly against pace, have raised concerns. For a captain, these technical flaws are even more magnified, with his leadership legacy potentially on the line.

Rohit Sharma's Leadership and the Added Pressure of Captaincy

The pressure on Rohit is compounded by his role as captain. If India’s Test series in Australia doesn't unfold as expected, his leadership will come under intense scrutiny. Veteran cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar have even suggested that Rohit might consider stepping down as captain, with Jasprit Bumrah potentially taking over.

Kaif noted that Australia’s fast bowlers would likely target Rohit’s weakness against short-pitched deliveries. However, with some adjustments to his technique and more patience in his approach, Rohit has the ability to turn things around. But this will require not just technical changes, but mental resilience, especially given the added weight of his captaincy.

Kohli and Rohit: Time to Prove Their Worth and Secure Their Spots

Kohli and Rohit have been pillars of Indian cricket for over a decade, but time and form are now challenging their dominance. Kaif’s suggestion to play in the Ranji Trophy goes beyond just practice; it’s a message that even the greatest players must be willing to put in the hard work, regardless of their stature.

As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the toughest assignments in world cricket, the urgency to find form is clear. Both players have the pedigree, but now they need to deliver—not just for the team, but for their own legacies. In a cricket-crazed nation like India, where careers are defined by performances, only consistent runs and strong leadership under pressure will ensure Kohli and Rohit remain integral to the national team.