India is now facing tough questions about its Test cricket future, especially when it comes to veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both star cricketers struggled to deliver during the recent series against Australia, raising concerns about their form and place in the team.

The series ended on a disappointing note for India, with a six-wicket loss in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, leaving the visitors with a 3-1 defeat. Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child, had a rough series overall. The 37-year-old managed only 31 runs across three matches. Kohli, who is 36, began the series with an unbeaten century in the first Test but failed to make a significant impact in the remaining games, scoring just 90 runs in eight innings apart from that century.

This series loss comes right after India suffered a 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand, intensifying discussions about the team’s direction and the futures of both Kohli and Rohit. Critics have pointed out that neither player has participated in domestic cricket to regain their form, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from experts, including Sunil Gavaskar.

Rohit also stepped down from playing the decisive fifth Test, citing personal reasons, and made it clear that he isn’t considering retirement yet. However, his captaincy decisions have been under scrutiny, with many questioning whether he remains the right fit for the leadership role in Tests.

As for Kohli, his performance has sparked debates about whether it’s time to move on from him in this format. Notably, Kohli also took a break from cricket last year following the birth of his second child. While he continues to be one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, his recent performances have not lived up to his usual high standards.

The Indian team now looks ahead to its upcoming Test series in England this June-July, where they will face a challenging five-match series. The selectors have some tough decisions to make regarding Kohli and Rohit. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar weighed in on the matter, stating that while retirement is a personal decision for players, it is ultimately up to the selectors to decide how long they should be part of the team.

On the brighter side, Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a strong candidate for leadership. The pace bowler, who serves as vice-captain, was outstanding in Australia, claiming 32 wickets across five Tests and leading India to victory in the first match in Perth. Many see him as a natural successor if the team decides to move on from Rohit as captain.

India’s coach Gautam Gambhir has chosen to stay neutral on the matter. He believes that any decision about a player’s future should involve both the player and the management. For now, all eyes are on the selectors as they prepare for what could be a defining series in England.