India’s Coaching Staff Suggests Ranji Games Key for Rohit and Kohli to Regain Rhythm

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced significant challenges in Test cricket recently, with both enduring underwhelming performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma managed only 31 runs in five innings and missed the opening and final Tests due to personal commitments and poor form. Virat Kohli, despite a century in the second innings of the first Test, could only score 90 runs in his other eight innings, exposing his vulnerability to deliveries outside the off-stump.

Amidst growing concerns, India’s coaching staff and former players have urged the duo to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches starting on January 23, 2025. They believe that playing domestic cricket will help both players regain their rhythm and refine their red-ball techniques. A team management member highlighted the importance of domestic cricket in bridging the transition between white-ball and red-ball formats, emphasizing that consistent game time is crucial for maintaining Test match readiness. He said:

While playing domestic cricket cannot fix all the flaws, it can certainly help Test players get into the rhythm needed to play the longest format. Without game time in the middle, their game will stagnate. The switch from the red ball to the white ball is easy, but when it is the other way around, it is challenging. When you play Ranji games frequently, you will be in rhythm.

India’s next major Test challenge is a five-match series against England from June to August 2025. The performances of Rohit and Kohli in domestic cricket will be closely monitored as the team prepares for this critical series, which could define their roles in the longer format moving forward.