New Delhi, Jan 8: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic cricket to rejuvenate their Test careers following a spate of underwhelming performances.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized that playing red-ball domestic cricket would not only help Kohli and Rohit sharpen their skills but also allow them to mentor emerging talent.

“If there’s a gap for them, I think they should go back and play some domestic cricket,” Shastri said. “It keeps you in touch with the current generation and allows you to pass on your experience to the younger players.”

Recent struggles

The advice follows India’s disappointing Border-Gavaskar trophy loss to Australia, where Kohli scored just 190 runs in five Tests, despite a century in Perth, and Rohit Sharma, the test captain, averaged a meager 6.2.

Shastri pointed to Kohli’s struggles against spin and deliveries outside the off-stump in recent series and India’s difficulties on turning tracks, emphasizing the importance of match practice in similar conditions.

Hunger and desire

At 36 and 38, respectively, Shastri believes the duo’s hunger and desire to excel in test cricket will determine their future in the format. “It’s the hunger and desire that matter,” he said, citing examples of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, who played pivotal roles in their teams’ transitions.

Mentoring the next generation

Shastri highlighted the potential impact Kohli could have by mentoring younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. “Players of Virat’s calibre can significantly benefit the next generation,” he noted.

As India navigates a transitional phase in Test cricket, Shastri’s advice underscores the importance of experience and adaptability for seasoned players like Kohli and Rohit.