Rohit missed the first Test in Perth, which India won. After returning from paternity leave ahead of the second Test, it all went downhill for India. The India captain managed to score only 31 runs in five innings at 6.20, and opted out of the final Test. Kohli, on the other hand, got a ton in Perth, but failed to replicate that in other innings, ending with only 190 runs from five matches at an average of 23.75.

Pat Cummins pays tribute to Virat Kohli

Fans and former players have also called for the exclusion of Kohli and Rohit from the Indian Test team, with some also hinting that the latter could retire. Speaking after the fifth Test at the SCG, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins lavished praise on Kohli, and revealed that ‘it will be sad if it’s his last series’.

He said, “It’s always been a wonderful contest. More than just the runs that he scored, he brings a bit of theatre to the game which is sometimes good and sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, which I’m sure is part of his plans.”

“Really enjoyed playing with him. You know, he’s been one of the star batters for the last decade or so. You know, if you get his wicket, it goes a long way to winning a game so yeah, it will be sad if it’s his last series,” he added.

The first and fifth Test saw Jasprit Bumrah perform as India’s standby captain, and the pacer was adjudged as the Player of the Series. His absence on Day 3 of the final Test proved to be pivotal as the other bowlers failed to capitalise on India’s comeback.