There was one defining line in the BCCI press release issued on Thursday night – that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had asked to be rested from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. On the face of it, it stated a very simple fact. But deep down, it said much about what these two stalwarts have decided to prioritise. For a long time, we have heard that people prefer white-ball cricket over the red ball. There is a lot more money in white-ball cricket and many more eyeballs. But what defines you as a cricketer is what you do in red-ball cricket. With four slips waiting to take the edge and a fast bowler like Kagiso Rabada running in, it is the ultimate Test of a cricketer.
India have never won a series in South Africa – 31 years and counting since 1992. They have come close, yes, but never crossed the line. And Rohit and Kohli know well that this could be their last chance to do so. Beating South Africa in South Africa would be historic. Much like winning against Australia in 2018 under Kohli’s captaincy, for the first time in 71 years. And they have decided to pursue that challenge and focus on it. They could well end up on the losing side. But they will control the controllables. Be the best prepared and give it their best shot. That’s what explains their decision. To be ready for the Boxing Day challenge in the best way they can.
With Jasprit Bumrah back as vice-captain, India have the bowling to push South Africa. It will be the batting that will play the defining role. Runs on the board could make all the difference and that’s where Rohit and Kohli will have to stand up and deliver. With Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, there isn’t much experience in the middle order. Talent, yes, but not much experience. As a result, the two legends will need to do a bit more. Shoulder the responsibility and lead from the front.
A Test series win against South Africa could be a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Way more significant than winning a bilateral white-ball series. They know it well, and that explains the call.
But does that mean Rohit and Kohli won’t play the T20 World Cup in June 2024? Is there any indication to say so at the moment? No. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that either of them would not want to play in the World Cup. I have already written in the last few days why I think both should play. Rohit was stellar at the top of the order in the World Cup and it was a refreshing change in approach for all to see. Kohli proved why he is the best and why age isn’t relevant anymore. His athleticism has no comparison and, in their current form, both deserve to play in the T20 World Cup. While the IPL will play a defining part in preparation, suffice to say the T20 doors aren’t closed on either.
Finally, many have suggested that there are only three T20 games ahead of the World Cup. Three T20 games in December for a June tournament wouldn’t do much. Rather, 14 IPL games and then the playoffs would mean each one of India’s players will be in sync with the format. While they will need to pace themselves physically and not burn out, that they will be adequately prepared is a given. IPL 2024, in many ways, will be way more significant. It will influence World Cup selection, and not just for Rohit and Kohli, but also for stars like KL Rahul.
For the moment though, it will be about red-ball cricket a month from now. Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen running in will not be easy. The batting belters that we have seen in the ongoing T20 series against Australia can at best breed a sense of false complacency. South Africa, much like England, will be the real Test – 90 overs of hard-fought cricket for five days. The dream of doing something that has never been done before will push Rohit and Kohli, and it would be good to see fans – shedding their tag of Viratians and Rohitians – backing them both to the hilt. Australia 2018 and 2021 defined Indian Test cricket. South Africa 2023-4 could do the same.