It's now time for new cricket stars to emerge

IF THE INDIAN Test cricket team were handled as an IPL franchise, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would have still been a part of it.

- Tushar Bhaduri

IF THE INDIAN Test cricket team were handled as an IPL franchise, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would have still been a part of it. But the top brass of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel need to be commended for looking beyond the immediate future as the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle commences.

It helps that the only currencies that operate in the case of the national team are runs, wickets and results on the field, unlike in franchise cricket where judgment may get clouded by cheering fans, sponsors and cheerleading broadcasters.

A team may be stuck to the bottom of the points table, but an ageing and underperforming superstar will still be hailed and serenaded as he comes out to bat for his customary handful of deliveries.

India's next Test assignment is in England, who no longer have the legendary pairing of James Anderson and Stuart Broad to call upon.

Speedster Mark Wood has, more or less, been ruled out after surgery on his left knee, while the fitness and effectiveness of Jofra Archer is uncertain, while Brydon Carse is only just making a comeback in County cricket after injuring his toe during the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

It's possible that, if selected, Rohit and Virat would have been among the runs against a mediocre attack on pitches likely to be batter-friendly.

But events in Australia at the turn of the year and at home against New Zealand would have provided a sobering light, and the decision-makers—and the two veterans themselves—would have come to the conclusion about what is best for India in the medium and long term.