The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is coming up. According to Chappell, Rohit needs to temper his “aggressive instincts with calculated caution,” while Kohli needs “rejuvenation.”
Following a disappointing domestic campaign in which they each scored only one fifty, Virat and Rohit are going to Australia for a Border-Gavaskar series that might be pivotal in their careers. This series is essential if they want to prolong their Test careers after suffering a crushing 0–3 series loss at home to Australia, their first home Test series loss in 12 years.
According to Chappell’s Sydney Morning Herald essay, Kohli is probably fed up with his recent setbacks and will be ready to reclaim his supremacy going into this series.
“For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, his recent travails will have annoyed him. The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reaffirm his position as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation,” Chappell wrote.
Commenting on Rohit, who faced criticism for poor shot selection in the New Zealand series, Chappell noted that he must maintain his form while bearing the responsibilities of captaincy.
“As this heavyweight clash approaches, each player will seek the mental state that fuelled their peak performances. For Sharma, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. As captain, he must maintain his own form while managing the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he must master if India is to thrive,” Chappell added.
Recent numbers for Kohli are everything but promising. His problems against spin have gotten worse; in five Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home, he has only managed to collect 192 runs in 10 innings at an average of 21.33, with one fifty and a top score of 70. He scored 6, 17, 47, 29*, 0, 70, 1, 17, 4, and 1 during the most recent home season.
In 12 Test innings over six games in 2023, Kohli has amassed a meagre 250 runs at an average of 22.72, one half-century, and a high score of 70. He has, however, performed better on away tours to South Africa and the West Indies, amassing 561 runs in the current WTC cycle 2023–25, including three fifties, a century, and a top score of 121 in nine Test matches and 16 innings at an average of 37.40.
Rohit’s current performance is likewise disappointing. With a top score of 52, he amassed 133 runs in 10 innings over five Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, averaging just 13.30. He scored 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11 throughout the home season.
In 11 Test matches and 21 innings in 2023, Rohit has amassed 588 runs at an average of 29.40, including two hundreds, two fifties, and a high score of 131. He has amassed 833 runs at an average of 33.32 in 14 Test matches in the current ICC World Test Championship 2023–25, with three hundreds and four fifties, with his highest score being 131.
The first Test in the eagerly awaited India-Australia Border-Gavaskar series begins in Perth on November 22. Adelaide Oval will host the second Test, which will be played in a day-night style, under the lights from December 6–10. Next, from December 14 to 18, fans will focus on the third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.
The concluding part of the series will be the classic Boxing Day Test, which will take place at Melbourne’s famous Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30.
The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the fifth and final Test from January 3–7, providing an entertaining conclusion to a highly anticipated series.