Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricket legend, has expressed his concern over the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Duleep Trophy. As the tournament gears up to begin on September 5, 2024, in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Gavaskar believes that both star batters should have been part of the action.
Sunil Gavaskar raises concerns about senior players’ form
Kohli and Rohit, both in their mid-thirties, need regular competition to maintain the high standards they’ve set. While Jasprit Bumrah’s delicate back warrants rest, the batters could have used some valuable time in the middle before the Bangladesh Test series.
“The selectors have not picked the skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Duleep Trophy so they will most likely go into the Bangladesh Test series without much match practice,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for the mid-day.
When there’s a long gap without playing, muscle memory weakens. Returning to peak form becomes challenging. Gavaskar emphasizes that consistent game time helps maintain the level of excellence expected from seasoned players.
“While it’s understandable that somebody like Jasprit Bumrah, with his delicate back, needs to be handled with care, the batters could have done it with some batting time out in the middle. Once a player hits the mid-thirties in any sport, then regular competition will help him maintain the high standards he has set.”
“When there’s a longish gap then the muscle memory weakens somewhat and to get back to the high standards from earlier is not easy.”
Sunil Gavaskar said, "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play Bangladesh Test series without much match practice. When there's a longish gap then the muscle memory weakens somewhat and to get back to the high standards from earlier is not easy". (Mid-day). pic.twitter.com/qZVwLNHUOG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 19, 2024
The selectors opted not to pick Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Duleep Trophy. Consequently, they might enter the Bangladesh Test series without sufficient match practice.
As the Duleep Trophy unfolds, fans eagerly await the clash of talents. While the star duo’s absence raises eyebrows, the tournament promises exciting cricket and fierce competition.
