Former batter Dinesh Karthik has hit out at the uncertainty surrounding India’s No. 3 position following their massive 408-run defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. The match, which ended on Day 5 (Wednesday, November 26), saw India bowled out for just 140 in their second innings while chasing 549, marking India’s biggest Test defeat by runs as the hosts were whitewashed in the two-match series. Ad After the loss, Karthik, in a video posted on Instagram, questioned India’s constant chopping and changing at the No. 3 slot. Notably, seven different players have been tried in that position since September 2024. Karthik said: “In the World Test Championship cycle, out of the 65 Test matches that have been played, India’s No. 3 holds the 2nd worst record in the first innings of a Test match, averaging 26. That is something for us to ponder about. Who is our No. 3? How much stability are we going to give him? Washington plays at No. 3 in Calcutta. Sai Sudarshan is playing at No. 3 in Guwahati. Is chopping and changing helping Team India, or do we need to give more stability and consistency? What is the answer?” Ad Trending In the same video, Karthik also highlighted the lack of bowling opportunities given to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and added that India are a much better team than what they showed in the South Africa series, saying: “But what is lacking? Is it the quality of players? Their inability to play spin? Pacers and spinners being out bowled in India. One too many all-rounders being played. Nitish Reddy, the nominated all-rounder, pace all-rounder has bowled 14 overs across a whole domestic calendar season in Test cricket in India. India has just 2 players who have scored 100 runs in this Test series. South Africa had 7. I mean, come on, we are better than that for sure. How can suddenly there be a nose dive in Test cricket.” Ad This marked only South Africa’s second Test series win in India, with their first coming back in 2000 under Hansie Cronje. “Very minimal chances” Dinesh Karthik on India’s hopes for reaching 2027 WTC final In the same video, Dinesh Karthik stated that India have very slim chances of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final, saying: Ad “It almost feels like, in this World Test Championship cycle, India have very minimal chances. 2 away games against Sri Lanka, 2 away games against New Zealand, and 5 Tests against Australia at home. But the next Test match is after 7 months. Are we going to forget this? Are we just going to move on, saying, okay, that’s a fresh season? By then, so much of white-ball cricket would have happened, and I am sure India is so good at that. Will we tend to overlook what’s happening in Test cricket right now? That’s the big question for us to ponder. Think, what does it take for this Test team to come back and become as good as they were?” India are currently fifth in the 2025-27 WTC standings, with 48. 15 PCT after nine matches. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news Edited by Dev Sharma.
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Tag Archives: all-rounders
‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri
**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*
Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.
### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,
*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*
The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.
### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,
*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*
Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.
He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*
### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney
Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.
### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.
**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story