Indian cricket fans have enjoyed many iconic partnerships between star players over the years, and when it comes to current stars, few duos generate excitement like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are two of the most celebrated batsmen in Indian cricket and have established records in both ODIs and T20s. However, when it comes to Test cricket, Rohit and Virat’s partnership has been surprisingly lackluster, especially in the last seven years.
As Team India heads to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fans are hopeful that these two legends will finally deliver a memorable stand in Test matches, helping India regain its dominance in red-ball cricket.
No Century Stand for Seven Years in Tests
While Rohit and Virat have consistently excelled individually, their Test partnership numbers tell a different story. Since January 1, 2018, Rohit and Virat have batted together 12 times in 34 Test matches, but not once have they been able to reach a century partnership. Their highest partnership during this period was just 64 runs. Here’s a quick look at their stands in the last 12 innings: 32, 25, 23, 1, 0, 64, 1, 17, 16, 2, 18, and 23. These numbers highlight the struggles they’ve faced in building a long-lasting partnership in Test cricket.
Individual Success vs. Partnership Struggles
Both Rohit and Virat are undisputed pillars of the Indian team, each boasting impressive individual records. Virat has been India’s backbone since his Test debut, and Rohit found his place as a Test opener in 2019, making him a regular presence in the format. Despite these individual achievements, the chemistry between them as a Test pair remains inconsistent.
One reason for this could be their different batting styles. Virat’s classic, aggressive style focuses on building an innings quickly, while Rohit often plays more conservatively in Tests, taking his time to adjust and score at a steady pace. This difference in tempo may be why they haven’t found a rhythm together in Tests, as they do in limited-overs formats.
Past Glimpses of Partnership Success
Interestingly, this partnership wasn’t always lacking. Before 2018, Virat and Rohit had three century partnerships in Tests and four half-century stands. Since Rohit’s debut, the duo has batted together 26 times, accumulating 999 runs with an average partnership of 39. However, the last seven years have not been kind to this pairing, with only one half-century stand to show since 2018.
Australia Tour: A Chance to Break the Pattern
The upcoming tour to Australia presents an opportunity for Virat and Rohit to change the narrative. The five-match Test series under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is crucial for Team India, and both players are under pressure to perform. Rohit, as the captain, will aim to lead from the front, while Virat, a seasoned player with years of Test experience in Australia, will look to rediscover his form.
In previous tours, both have had individual success in Australia. Virat’s record-breaking tour in 2014-15 and Rohit’s solid performances as a Test opener have shown that they can succeed on Australian soil. If they manage to align their styles and form a steady partnership, it could provide the Indian team with the stability it needs to win crucial matches in this high-stakes series.
Why a Strong Partnership Matters Now
In Test cricket, a strong partnership is often the foundation of a team’s success, especially in challenging conditions like those in Australia. The top order needs to set a solid platform, which allows middle-order batsmen to build upon it. With Rohit as the opener and Virat coming in at number four, an impactful partnership between them could set up substantial scores for Team India, giving bowlers a solid target to defend.
If Virat and Rohit can finally break their seven-year drought of century partnerships, it would not only benefit Team India but also lift fans’ spirits. Their success as a pair could also silence critics and reinforce their status as modern-day greats in the Test format.
