The Indian cricket team celebrated the arrival of New Year 2025 in style, with several players sharing their festivities on social media. The team is currently in Australia, preparing for upcoming challenges, and Sydney served as the backdrop for a relaxed New Year’s Eve celebration. Among those spotted in the city were power couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, who enjoyed a stroll with IPL teammate Devdutt Padikkal, sparking rumors that the trio were headed to a party.
Post-Boxing Day Test: The Debate Over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test Careers Intensifies
However, the celebrations come amid growing concerns over India’s performance in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia. The loss reignited conversations about the future of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Test format. Despite having achieved remarkable feats, both have come under intense scrutiny for their recent performances.
Sanjay Manjrekar Weighs In: Kohli Deserves More Leeway Than Rohit
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar weighed in on the ongoing debate, particularly on the contrasting approaches towards assessing Kohli and Sharma’s Test careers. Manjrekar asserted that Kohli’s legacy as one of the modern-day greats gives him an edge over Sharma, particularly after his record-breaking Test career. He told Star Sports, “There is no comparison between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Test batters. Kohli has earned the right to receive more opportunities given his stature in the game.”
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virat and anushka spotted in sydney likely celebrating new year 💗 pic.twitter.com/Grn54flBE1
— 𝒑𝒓𝒊. 💌 (@ssnoozefest) December 31, 2024
Kohli’s Unmatched Record vs. Rohit’s Struggles
Virat Kohli’s Test journey speaks for itself, with 122 matches to his name, 9,207 runs, and 30 centuries. His leadership has led India to historic overseas victories, including series triumphs in Australia. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s Test career, while notable for certain innings, has not been as consistent. Despite playing 67 Tests and amassing 4,302 runs, his recent performances have raised doubts.
WATCH:
Virat Kohli And @AnushkaSharma Spotted On The Streets Of Sydney For A New Year Party! 🥂🎆🖤#Virushka #HappyNewYear #AUSvIND @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/oAHD8Fxk1A
— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) December 31, 2024
Rohit Sharma Faces Intense Pressure After Recent Failures
Rohit Sharma has faced criticism after a string of poor performances, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His latest stint has been particularly disappointing, with the Indian skipper failing to score more than 31 runs in five innings, averaging just 6.20 in the Test series in Australia. His performance on the final day of the Boxing Day Test, where he was dismissed for just 9 runs, further deepened concerns about his form.
Kohli’s Decline and the Question of India’s Batting Coach
Despite Kohli’s great achievements, questions have arisen about his recent performances as well, especially with the increasing difficulty in scoring runs on tough overseas pitches. Manjrekar questioned the role of India’s batting coach in addressing such issues, citing that even great players like Kohli should not be immune from scrutiny.
With both seniors under the spotlight, India’s cricketing future is facing an intense phase of reckoning as the team prepares to rebound from th
