Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes there will be a strong demand for a rebuilt Test side if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fail to deliver with the bat during India's tour of Australia, which begins on November 22.
Gavaskar voiced trust in Rohit and Kohli, citing the two 'stalwarts' as capable of mounting a strong recovery following their poor performances in the just-finished home series against New Zealand.
Speaking to India Today a day after India's 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, Gavaskar stated that the pressure is rising not only on Kohli and Sharma but also on the entire lineup of underperforming Indian batters.
Kohli managed just 93 runs across 6 innings against New Zealand with a best of 70 and skipper Rohit managed just 91 runs out of which 52 came in one innings. With both key players faltering, India faced an unprecedented whitewash in a home series with more than two matches, marking a first in Test cricket history.
"Definitely yes. If they don't score runs in Australia, there will be a clamor for a new-look Indian team to start from the tour of England," Gavaskar told India Today.
He also stated that it will be more difficult for Rohit and Kohli to restore form if they do not commit to constant practice and adequate match play. The former India captain has been vociferous about both players' wasted opportunity to play domestic cricket before the home Test season.
"It's ticking for everybody. It's not just them. But, because they are in their 30s or mid-30s, it will be tougher for them than the guys in their early 20s or early 30s. But, the clock is ticking for everybody. Which is why I say, the more you are playing, the more you will be prepared to meet the demands of modern-day cricket," Gavaskar said.
"Totally understandable (focus on Kohli and Rohit's failures). This is one of those rare series where both of them have not been able to score runs (Kohli and Rohit). Don't forget, Kohli got a 70 in the second innings in Bengaluru. It's just one of those rarities where both these stalwarts have not been able to make significant contributions," he added.
"Something like this... look, a bad patch comes to everybody. Sometimes, a couple of bad patches can happen. That's what sporting life is all about. But, how you come back from those bad patches tells how good a player you are and your character as a sportsperson. What we are going to see in Australia is going to be interesting. What we are going to see in Australia will determine the future of the Test team," he added.
The five-Test series will begin in Perth on November 22 and India has already named an 18-member squad. The Test specialists will go to Australia in the second week of November to prepare for the series opener.
India had planned a warm-up match against an India A visiting team, but it was later scrapped. Instead, Rohit Sharma's team will practice centre-wicket match simulations in Perth in preparation for the first Test.
