Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been stalwarts of the Indian Cricket Team for the last decade. The form of both batters in Test cricket has come under major scrutiny as they have struggled with the bat for India in their series loss against New Zealand. 

Ahead of the third Test match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been handed a bold warning by former Indian player Harbhajan Singh regarding the Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

Harbhajan Singh warns Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli 

There’s no denying that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven’t been at their best form in red ball cricket this year. With India losing a Test series at home for the first time in 12 years, Rohit and Kohli’s performance against New Zealand were criticised heavily. 

India’s batting was abysmal in first two Tests and both Rohit and Kohli were questioned. In four innings Kohli scored only 88 runs with an average of 22. Rohit on the other hand scored only 62 runs at an average of mere 15.50. 

Given India travel to Australia in less than a month’s time for the 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy, ‘RO-KO’ will be crucial. 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during India’s series against New Zealand | Image: AP

But Harbhajan Singh believes that given their poor form, time might be ticking for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He believes that if they fail to make an impact in the Border Gavaskar Trophy for India then the team management could look for a transition post this World Test Championship cycle. 

“Not immediately, as you have a big Australia series and WTC final at stake. But yes, this Australia series will be a make or break for many in the team,” told Harbhajan Singh to PTI when asked about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

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Scenario for India to reach WTC Final 

The loss against New Zealand has cost India dearly in the race to the World Test Championship final. With India still to play a 3rd Test vs New Zealand and then five Tests vs Australia, India’s chances look slim. 

India have to win at least four Test matches to guarantee their WTC final berth. That means winning the third Test vs New Zealand and then winning the series against Australia. 

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India will take on New Zealand in the third Test match starting from November 1st. They will then travel ‘Down Under’ to face Australia in the 5-match series starting from November 22nd.