Sharma has only scored 619 runs in 16 Tests.
India is still reeling after its 3-1 defeat in the five-match Test series against Australia.
The side was once dominant in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with historic victories over the mighty Australians over the past decade.
But in the 2024-25 edition, India fell short and exposed vulnerabilities in a team long thought to be unbeatable.
The series highlighted worrying issues.
India’s batters struggled while Jasprit Bumrah was the only bowler to trouble Australia.
Not only did India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but they were also denied a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, ending their streak of back-to-back appearances in 2021 and 2023.
India’s recent Test form is concerning but can it revive its legacy in this format of cricket?
Poor Recent Form
India has lost six of their last eight Test series, including an embarrassing 3-0 home loss to New Zealand.
The defeats have raised questions about the squad’s depth, the future of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and their ability to rebuild.
With a team in transition and stalwarts fading, Indian Test cricket faces mounting pressure to sustain its legacy in a rapidly evolving landscape.
India’s next Test series will be against England beginning in July 2025.
England’s conditions are known for dramatic shifts and they will test the players’ technique, skills and adaptability.
It will be a daunting task as India has not won a Test series in England since 2007.
Recent failures against New Zealand and Australia will only add to the pressure.
Sharma & Kohli
India’s poor recent form has left selectors grappling with difficult decisions on player selection and team combinations.
But the biggest dilemma is the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their poor performances against Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia, Sharma managed just 31 runs in three Tests and for the final game, he dropped himself.
Kohli amassed 190 runs in nine innings but 100 runs of his total came in a single innings.
He was repeatedly dismissed in a similar fashion – caught in the slips or behind the stumps – highlighting either a significant technical weakness or signs of mental fatigue under pressure.
Since January 2024, Sharma has only scored 619 runs in 16 Tests.
Meanwhile, Kohli has averaged 32 Test runs since 2020 with only two centuries.
Once a Test opener and matchwinner, Sharma is now struggling to find his ideal batting position.
Kohli’s surreal decline has left the once-formidable cricketing giant stuck in a prolonged slump.
Who could succeed Kohli?
When it comes to India’s batsman, the baton has passed seamlessly.
But a worthy successor to Kohli remains elusive.
KL Rahul oozes class but seems to lack the relentless hunger needed for consistent big scores.
Rishabh Pant, the ultimate wildcard, can thrill fans with match-winning heroics one day and frustrate them with reckless shots the next.
Shubman Gill, hailed as the future of Indian cricket, has struggled to replicate his domestic form overseas. Despite his immense talent, he needs careful guidance to fulfil his potential.
Punjab’s young left-hander, Abhishek Sharma, groomed under Yuvraj Singh’s mentorship, has drawn high praise while Nitish Kumar Reddy turned heads on his debut in Australia with fearless performances in challenging conditions.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal has stolen the spotlight.
As India’s top Test run-scorer in Australia this series, he’s showcased a blend of flair, patience, technical brilliance, and explosive shot-making. With his remarkable performances, Jaiswal looks ready to step into the role of India’s next talisman, following in Kohli’s legendary footsteps.
India’s Talent Pool
India’s talent pool is overflowing with potential across all departments.
Jasprit Bumrah, with his sensational 32-wicket haul against Australia, has firmly established himself as a fast-bowling powerhouse.
Backed by the relentless pace of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and a host of promising young quicks, India’s pace attack is among the most formidable in world cricket.
However, Bumrah’s brilliance comes with a caveat—he’s a once-in-a-generation talent whose workload demands meticulous management.
Overburdening him, as seen in the gruelling Australia series, risks injuries that could derail India’s attack. Similarly, Shami, returning from multiple injury setbacks, needs careful oversight.
Together, they form a fearsome duo but must be preserved wisely.
On the spin front, challenges loom.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement and Ravindra Jadeja’s underwhelming performance in Australia have left a gap.
Washington Sundar has shown promise on home soil, while emerging talents like Ravi Bishnoi and Tanush Kotian, who joined the squad mid-series in Australia, are eager to make their mark in the longest format.
Amid setbacks against New Zealand and Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is accelerating its transition plans.
Selectors are tasked with identifying Test-ready players from the ongoing Ranji Trophy, resuming on January 23.
A return to domestic cricket is on the cards for all players, including stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as a way to regain form and confidence.
Managing this transition is no small task—it demands patience, vision, and resistance to knee-jerk decisions.
Reckless moves under external pressure could deepen the crisis instead of resolving it.
While the futures of Sharma and Kohli remain uncertain, India’s reservoir of talent offers hope.
It’s important to note that after the crushing 4-0 Test series defeats in England and Australia following the 2011 World Cup win, Indian cricket appeared to hit rock bottom.
Yet, a resurgence led by young stars like Kohli, Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Jadeja, and Ashwin saw India rise to dominate all formats, holding the top spot for nearly a decade.
History has shown that Indian cricket has a remarkable ability to rebound.
With the right strategies, this current low could pave the way for another golden era.