Brutal truth could spell the end for superstar Indian duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of India’s finest ever batsmen – but the end isn’t just coming for the pair. It may be sooner than they think, writes Robert Craddock.

The end is coming for Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – and it may be sooner than they think.

Pressure is mounting on captain Sharma to drop himself for the final Test in Sydney after another failure.

Kohli (five), who fell in heartbreaking circumstances when he was lured into an airy drive and an edge to slips just before lunch, is also in the midst of a serious form slump, his first Test century in Perth notwithstanding.

Because Kohli, who recently moved to England, is considered an Indian legend, he will decide his own departure date and is certain to play the last Test.

The tip has been he will want to retire in India but it cannot be ruled out Sydney will be his five-day farewell.

He looked shattered when he left the ground, furious with himself for being unable to resist a baited hook.

Sharma also looked a broken man as he trudged off slowly with his unconvincing innings of nine following earlier scores of three, six, 10 and three.

He now has the lowest batting average (6.2) by a touring captain in a series in Australia, “beating’’ West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh (7.75) whose record of 43 Test ducks said everything about almost comical performances with the bat.

Sharma, once the most commanding of batsman whose stroke-making repertoire was feared around the cricket world, is a shadow of the player he used to be.

Sharma made a late start to this tour after staying at home to be present for the birth of his second child.

Rohit Sharma after being caught by Mitch Marsh off the bowling of Pat Cummins. Picture: Michael Klein

During his absence India commandingly won the first Test in Perth under the guidance of Jasprit Bumrah.

The great fast bowler could easily do the job again but his huge workload with the ball this summer would seem to make Kohli a better choice.

Kohli has been a de facto skipper during much of the series and in the MCG Test delivered several stirring addresses to the team before play and between innings.

But with his own form receding so badly there must be serious question marks over his ability to lead the team.

Australian tours have been brutal on some Indian batting greats with former stars VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid ushered into retirement after failing here.

Originally published as Brutal truth could spell the end for superstar Indian duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli