Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are unable to participate in county cricket prior to India's Test series against England

New Delhi: The struggles of India's top batsmen, captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli, in red-ball cricket have become a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Following their disappointing performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there are suggestions that they may need to consider taking a break from the longest format of the game.

Kohli managed to accumulate 190 runs from 9 innings, with an average of 23.75. In contrast, Rohit faced significant difficulties, amassing just 31 runs at an average of 6.20. Rohit’s struggles were severe enough for him to opt out of the final Test, leading to speculations that he might have played his last Test for India.

As India prepares for their tour of England in June, both players could benefit from playing county cricket to adjust to the English conditions ahead of the series. This could prove to be an essential step in restoring their form and regaining confidence in red-ball cricket.

Recent reports indicate that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t be able to play county cricket due to a scheduling clash. One set of county matches ends on May 26, while the next one doesn’t start until June 22. With the England series kicking off on June 20, Rohit and Virat will have no window to play county matches between May 26 and June 20.

With doubts over Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket, Virat Kohli’s upcoming five-match Test series against England could be his last opportunity to leave a significant mark in this format.

Virat Kohli, who hasn’t featured in a domestic game since 2012, faced difficulties during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, particularly with balls on the fourth stump line. His previous stint in England was also underwhelming, where he accumulated just 249 runs from 9 innings with an average below 30. Playing county cricket could have been an ideal chance for Virat to refine his skills and regain his self-assurance.

In the past, the Indian cricket icon expressed interest in playing county cricket. Ahead of India’s 2018 tour of England, Kohli had agreed to play for Surrey, but a neck injury prevented him from participating. Kohli will now have the chance to feature in Delhi’s last two Ranji Trophy league matches against Saurashtra and Railways, before the home ODI series against England.