India: Cricket: End of an era? Team India’s star players are probably past their prime

It takes about 50 seconds for Jim Morrison’s voice to emerge, but keyboardist Ray Manzarek sets the tone for an explosion before we hear the words: This is the end, beautiful friend// this is the end, my only friend, the end.

When Virat Kohli threw his arm out wide and was caught by a diving Steve Smith at second slip in the World Cup final at the Oval, it felt like it was over. Yes, for India’s chances of winning the match as Kohli had added just five to his overnight 44, but more broadly for the era.

Cheteshwar Pujara is 35 years and 139 days old, sports no tattoos, doesn’t belong in the Indian Premier League and is probably best suited to a Sussex side in Division 2 of the County Championship, where he plunders runs for fun. He is a legend in India but for him honestly this is the end.

He was knocked down and he came back, which he did with the bat, but it can’t happen again.

Ajinkya Rahane is 35 years and 7 days old. In the last season of the IPL, he switched to beast mode. Authorized by Maenndra Singh Dhon and released by Chennai Super Kings, Pusycat screamed like a tiger at a speed of 172.48. Returning to the Indian Test team (not just because of the IPL, but because of the Ranji Trophy runs), he was in action, scoring 89 and 46 in the WTC final.

Rahane is loved and what he has done for India in his 83 Tests is remarkable, but for him too, beautiful friend, this is the end. The captain of the ship, Rohit Sharma, is 36 years and 44 days old. He may have two years of Test cricket training left, but they may not be his best years. In the first over, Rohit got a ball that was difficult, but in the second he made a simple error of judgment by playing an unnecessary shot. He paid the price, but so did India. In recent times, Rohit has been the best Indian batsman, averaging over 43 since December 2019, when no one else can even reach 30. But if you’re really looking forward to the WTC final in 2025, is Rohit the man for the job?

Virat Kohli, the alpha of this batting line-up, is 34 years and 22 days old. He is arguably the strongest man in Indian cricket, but his batting has been on the decline for some time now. Since December 2019, Kohli has averaged just 29 with the bat. And he plays at number 4, the Tendulkar spot given to the team’s best batsman.

Kohli is fit enough to stay in the team, but is he scoring enough runs to justify his position?

When you come to bowling, it becomes even more difficult.

Mohammad Shami is 32 years and 283 days old, which is a lot for a fast bowler. While he is skilled and currently the leader of this offense, waiting another two years for him may be a bridge too far.

Then you come the spin twins who have been on the shoulders of this Indian team for the last few years with ball and bat.

R Ashwin is 36 years and 269 days old. He was not in the eleven for the WTC final despite being number one in the ICC tables. As an official, he may have the ability to play for two more years, stretch himself and manage the workload, but will India use him at the right time?

If you don’t play your best bowler in the WTC final, you send him a clear message, no matter how rational he is with it.

Ravindra Jadeja is 34 years and 189 days old. He is a mainstay of Indias Test team, a left-handed batsman who has caused a lot of trouble and a spinner who gives the captains control. But as strong as he is, his shoulder and fingers will need relief at some point.

Where is India in terms of the future?

Nowhere. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not seen fit to appoint a chairman of selectors for months. The 50-over World Cup is upon us at home and there is no question about the Rahul Dravid-led coaching set-up despite repeated failures. There is no plan, there is no way forward.

As the song suggests, this could be the beginning of the end for Test cricket, even if it’s not pretty or a friend.