Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull has expressed concerns over the form slump of Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, following India’s 3-0 Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand. Both players struggled to make significant contributions with the bat during the series, and their lack of form had a direct impact on India’s dismal performance.

Doull, in his analysis, questioned whether Rohit and Kohli, who are both nearing the latter stages of their careers, have the mental toughness required to bounce back from this slump. He noted that while both players possess the ability to turn things around, the challenge becomes harder with age.

In the recently concluded three-Test series, Kohli managed to score just 93 runs, while Rohit could only muster 91 runs. Apart from Kohli’s 70-run knock in the first Test, both players consistently fell for low scores, contributing to India's defeats in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Their poor form raised questions about India's batting lineup, with the team failing to capitalize on key moments in each match.

"From when you've been at such a high level and you have a little form slump, you look for things within yourself. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to change something? Are the eyes just slightly less effective than they were five years ago when I was seeing everything like a pumpkin?" Doull said, as quoted by IndiaToday. He further highlighted how this struggle grows with age, particularly as players approach the twilight of their careers. "Rohit is in the same boat," he added.

Doull also reflected on the mental challenge faced by players in their later years, noting that it can be tougher to regain form and maintain the discipline required to stay at the top level. "The later in your career you go, the less success you have, or the less success you have as you get older. It’s very tough mentally to get back to that position, to put yourself through the hard rigours of the training, the preparation," Doull explained.

He emphasized that while both Rohit and Kohli remain dedicated to their craft, the results have not been evident in recent performances. "I don't think either of these two guys have dropped off as far as preparation is concerned, but they're still not quite getting the rewards," Doull concluded.