India’s 10-wicket to defeat Australia in the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide last Sunday has raised criticism of the senior batters, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
West Indies pace legend Andy Roberts is unsure if the visitors can make a revival in the series after the defeat undid the success at Perth, while also throwing up questions on India’s batting and bowling departments.
Speaking to mid-day, Roberts said India cannot endure another batting failure in the third Test in Brisbane, starting Saturday, while also highlighting Kohli’s long-standing struggles in the red-ball format. “I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” Roberts told mid-day while referring to Kohli.
The 36-year-old Kohli’s Test average has plunged to an eight-year low of 47.72. In 2024, Kohli averages 26.64 after 16 innings, his lowest for any calendar year where he has appeared in at least 10 innings. He has only aggregated three Test hundreds since 2020. The former India captain fell for scores of 7 and 11 in Adelaide, caught behind on both occasions.
“He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” Roberts added.
The West Indies stalwart who totalled over 200 wickets in his career is also uncertain as to why India opted to bat first in the pink-ball Test. Rohit Sharma’s side was bundled out for 180 in 44.1 overs before the hosts took a decisive 157-run lead. India was later shot out for 175, setting a paltry 19-run target.
“Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” remarked Roberts.
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