Domestic cricket is the final comeback route for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

India's disappointing 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday has sparked serious discussions about the state of Indian cricket, particularly the team's batting. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, shared his thoughts after the series defeat, emphasizing the importance of players returning to domestic cricket if they are to fulfill their commitments to red-ball cricket. Gambhir stressed that domestic cricket provides the ideal platform for players to regain form and rhythm, especially when their performances at the international level start to falter. A major factor in India’s downfall during the BGT was their fragile batting line-up.

Playing domestic cricket is the solution for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Despite having some of the best batters in the world, the Indian team managed to cross the 300-run mark only twice out of 10 innings, a statistic that highlights their struggles with consistency. Gambhir’s comments, though not aimed at any specific individual, seemed to be a pointed message to some of the senior players, most notably Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With both players enduring lean patches in the series, Gambhir suggested that a return to domestic cricket could help them find their mojo ahead of India’s next Test series against England. The call for players to focus on domestic cricket as a means of rediscovering form reflects a growing concern over the lack of depth in India’s batting and the need for senior players to set the right example.

The final two group fixtures of the ongoing domestic season are set to take place in January 2025, with matches starting on January 23. Following the group stage, the knockout phase of the competition will begin on February 8. The Ranji Trophy final is scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 2, marking the culmination of one of India’s most prestigious domestic tournaments.

Following the conclusion of the domestic season, the Indian national team will shift its focus to international cricket. India is set to host England for a series of three T20Is and as many ODIs, with the first match scheduled for January 22. This series will serve as a vital preparation for Team India, as they set their sights on their next major international challenge—the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With both the domestic and international schedules packed, India’s cricketers will be under pressure to perform at their best, balancing commitments between domestic tournaments and preparing for the high-stakes global competition. The upcoming series against England, along with the Champions Trophy, promises to be a defining period for Indian cricket as they aim to further cement their place at the top of the world rankings.

"I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game. If they are available and they have the commitment to play red ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players that you want," India head coach Gautam Gambhir said at the post match press conference on Sunday.

Gautam Gambhir's comments come in the wake of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma repeatedly avoiding domestic cricket, despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) urging them to participate. Last year, ahead of India’s demanding Test season, former BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasized that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic duties when not on national duty. Shah’s message was clear: senior players should play in domestic tournaments to maintain their form and provide a boost to the local circuit. However, despite these requests, the senior players have continued to prioritize international commitments over domestic engagements, which has raised concerns about the depth of India’s batting line-up. Gambhir’s remarks suggest that the team management believes returning to domestic cricket could help these players rediscover their form and contribute more effectively in upcoming international series, including the crucial Test series against England.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles with the bat becoming a major topic of discussion, Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in the duo's ability to bounce back. He backed both players, stating that despite their lean patches, they still possess the hunger and desire to succeed at the highest level. Gambhir believes that Kohli and Rohit are experienced enough to assess their own future in Test cricket, keeping the team’s best interests at heart. He emphasized that the duo understands the demands of international cricket and will make decisions based on what’s best for the team’s performance and their personal growth. While their form has been questioned, Gambhir’s belief in their commitment to Indian cricket reflects the trust in their ability to rediscover their form and contribute significantly to India’s success in upcoming challenges.

“They are tough people with hunger, they'll decide what is best for Indian cricket. To keep the dressing room happy, I have to be honest and fair to everyone. Rohit Sharma showed accountability at the top,” Gambhir added.