The fourth Test and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 ended in a draw at Ahmedabad. With this result, India have secured a 2-1 series win and qualified for the final of the World Test Championship. 

Australia had the upper hand in the first two days of play, scoring 480 runs in the first innings. However, at the back of brilliant knocks from Virat Kohli (186), Shubman Gill (128) and Axar Patel (79), India managed to gain an important lead of 91 runs. 

The game eventually ended in a draw as Australia lost just two wickets on the final day. Kohli’s 186 – the batter's first Test hundred in almost four years – helped him to a Player of the Match award. 

Rohit praised the Delhi batter’s game, while also adding that Kohli’s contribution came at a crucial stage in the Ahmedabad Test.

“He’s played so many Tests now, he has gotten so many hundreds. For a player like him, it’s just about a few innings here and there,” Rohit said. “And we saw, in white ball cricket as well, from Asia Cup he got that hundred and never looked back.

“And I hope it’ll be the same with the red ball as well. The quality is there, it’s just about applying yourself.

“It's about doing your own things, which he did pretty well. He batted the way he usually bats. That’s what got him success. It wasn’t easy to bat like that on a day 3 and 4 pitch here. There was some sharp turn and uneven bounce.

“The way he batted, and got a big score. After that, we were in a situation where the game couldn’t go anywhere other than a draw or it could’ve even come in our favour, had we gotten some wickets in the second innings. We’re pleased with all the batters who put their hands up and got the team that big score in the first innings.”

India have enjoyed decent red-ball success under Rohit. They’ve won four out of six Tests under his leadership.

When discussing captaincy, Rohit stated that he was enjoying the experience and focusing on keeping things simple.  

“I’m still learning as a captain. I’ve captained a lot more in T20 than other formats, but in Test matches I'm only six Tests old,” Rohit said.

“So I am still learning. A lot of guys have played a lot of (Test) cricket, so they’re always there to help. And of course, not that I haven't played red-ball cricket in India.

“So (as a captain) I know how it works. I try and look at how we’ve done things as a team, and just try and recollect those thoughts. Whenever I lead the team, I try to keep it very simple. It’s the longer version of the game, so I keep things calm on the field.

“Keep patience. I think of those things while trying to captain the side. And I’m still learning about my own captaincy. It’s too early for me to rate my captaincy. But I’m enjoying it. I enjoy support from the team, and staff. I’m honestly enjoying this period of me leading the side.

“There have been some challenges as well. When you’re playing a series like this, you are bound to make mistakes. And I made some mistakes, and I will honestly accept that but that’s how you learn. That’s how you become a better captain, or rather a better player.”

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