Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim
After India’s Test series defeat to South Africa, a former India bowler has made a strong claim about the impact of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s absence.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the No.1 and No.2 ODI batters in the world respectively. Image | BCCI on X
Last Updated: 05.31 PM, Dec 22, 2025
India’s Test series defeat has reignited an uncomfortable debate around leadership, experience, and the timing of transition in Indian cricket. While the focus has largely remained on on-field performances, a former India bowler has shifted attention to a deeper issue, whether India moved on from senior players too quickly in the longest format.
According to the former cricketer, Test cricket demands more than just skill. It requires calm decision-making, game awareness, and the ability to absorb pressure, qualities he believes were missing at key moments during the series. He argued that India lacked a stabilising presence when momentum swung, something that seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had provided for over a decade.
"I definitely want Rohit and Virat to play (2027 WC). Why did we lose the Test series? Because we did not have enough experience. The way Virat and Rohit made a comeback, they took the pressure off. So it is always the senior players who take that pressure off, and you need them on a big stage. I will not say that keep them even if they don't perform. But if they are performing, then you should have them," said Amit Mishra in a podcast on MensXP's YouTube channel.
There is definitely a big advantage: Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra also urged the selectors to keep the senior players in the team as that helps the others play well. Kohli and Rohit have been performing well in the recent matches which is a positive takeway for the Indian team. The junior players will get a chance to learn from them in the dressing room, as well as in the nets.
"It will help the team and the management as well. Their being there will put pressure on the opposition as well. And they will also have to keep working hard and performing to stay in that position. There is definitely a big advantage of seniors being there, but I would want that they keep performing the way they did in this series," he added.
Where to watch the India vs New Zealand match?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI match on January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.