Kohli To Retire? Babar Dropped; 5 Players Who Are Likely To Play Their Last Boxing Day Test
Virat Kohli-BabarAzam-(Source:@Johns/X.com)
On Thursday, December 26, it is the boxing day in SENA countries. Several countries will play Boxing Day Tests. South Africa will take on Pakistan at the Supersport Park Stadium, Australia to host India at the MCG, and Zimbabwe will also take on Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, this article will shed light on five players who are likely to play their last Boxing Day Test on December 26.
1. Babar Azam
The 30-year-old has returned to the Test squad for the first time since being dropped from the Test side midway through the England series after a string of poor scores.
It is worth noting that the former Pakistan skipper has amassed just 148 runs in eight innings in 2024, averaging just 18.50. If Babar fails to prove his worth in the upcoming two Test matches, then it can be the end of the road for Babar in red-ball cricket.
The PCB has dropped him once, and they won't hesitate to drop him again if he fails with the bat.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, who is 36-years-old, is also struggling for form. He scored a century in the first Test against Australia, but apart from that, he is yet to fire with the bat in 2024. Thus, the upcoming Boxing Day Test is crucial for Virat as there are already questions about his place in the playing XI.
In case, India fails to qualify for the WTC 2025 finals, India might look beyond Virat, and the former RCB captain might also look at Test retirement, to just focus on ODIs and target the 2027 ODI World Cup.
3. Rohit Sharma
Age is catching up on Rohit Sharma as the 37-year-old is on the wrong side of the 30s and might look for Test retirement to focus on the fifty-over format.
Rohit is also under the scanner because of his poor form and he also faces pressure to lead India to the WTC 2025 final.
4. Nathan Lyon
Lyon, who has been Australia's preferred spinner for a long time, might also call it a day in cricket next year as he will soon turn 38. Similar to how his counterpart, R Ashwin, announced his international retirement, the upcoming Boxing Day Test might also be the last for Lyon.
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Post WTC 2025 cycle, several teams will undergo a transition as veterans will make way for new players. Thus, Ravindra Jadeja is also in the line as several budding all-rounders are looking to replace the CSK star in the Indian team.
The Rohit Sharma-led side are likely to play their next boxing day Test against South Africa in December 2025 and by time, India might have moved away from Jadeja.
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