Mon Dec 30 11:52:21 UTC 2024: ## India’s Veteran Batsmen Fail to Deliver in Tense Melbourne Test
**Melbourne, Australia** – India’s hopes of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and securing a spot in the World Test Championship final suffered a blow as veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma once again failed to deliver in the fourth Test against Australia. Despite a gutsy 84 from young Yashasvi Jaiswal, India fell short in their chase, losing the match and leveling the series 2-2.
The match, which broke attendance and broadcast records, saw a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witness the struggles of the usually reliable Kohli and Sharma. Rohit, back in his preferred opening position, was dismissed early after a miscue, highlighting a poor run of form that has seen him criticized for holding back younger, potentially more effective players. His visible frustration and the team’s dropped catches further emphasized the pressure he faces as captain across all formats.
Kohli, despite a century in Perth, continues to struggle, repeatedly falling victim to the same dismissal outside off-stump. While his passion and commitment are undeniable, his recent performances raise questions about his continued role in the team. Speculation about Rohit’s potential retirement is mounting, while Kohli’s future, although less certain, also faces scrutiny given his prolonged dip in form.
The performance highlights a growing concern within Indian cricket: the need for a generational shift. While young players like Jaiswal show promise, the continued reliance on underperforming veterans is hindering the team’s progress. The future of both Kohli and Sharma’s roles in the team remains uncertain as India looks towards future challenges.
First Piper 