India’s unexpected Test series defeat at home to New Zealand has intensified scrutiny over the team’s batting lineup. The series saw India’s top five struggling in both matches, with their collapse in the first Test leading to a record low total of 46 runs. Apart from Yashasvi Jaiswal, no other Indian top-order batter has been able to deliver, including experienced players like Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.
Notably, Kohli and Rohit opted out of the Duleep Trophy before the Test series against Bangladesh, sparking concerns about their preparedness. Kohli’s form, in particular, has been underwhelming in recent years. The former captain has scored only two Test centuries over the past four years, both of which came last year, and he has managed just one fifty in five Tests in 2024.
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh remarked on the added pressure that senior players face when a team is underperforming. “Look, age is a factor for some in this team, but Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit guys. Yes, age, fitness, and form are criteria, but the questions crop up once you start losing. The onus obviously comes on seniors in the team,” Harbhajan explained. He emphasized that while form fluctuations are normal, scrutiny becomes sharper with poor team results.
Harbhajan also acknowledged the continuity in Indian cricket, asserting that no player is indispensable. “Who said replacements can’t be found? (Sunil) Gavaskar saab gaye, (Sachin) Tendulkar saab aaye, Tendulkar saab gaye, humein Kohli mila aur bhavishya mein bhi aisa hoga,” he noted, highlighting the generational transition from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar to Kohli. Harbhajan’s remarks reflect the resilience and adaptability of Indian cricket as the team navigates another challenging phase.
