Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been selected for India's squad against Australia in the upcoming ODI series. Fans eagerly await the return of this dynamic duo (ROKO) to competitive cricket since they last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Their wait will finally end on October 19, when India faces Australia in the first match of the three-match ODI series.
Intriguingly, Rohit Sharma will play as a specialist batsman during this Australian tour, having been relieved from his ODI captaincy duties. Shubman Gill has been chosen as the new captain, succeeding his test captaincy. This decision, led by Ajit Agarkar's selection committee, has stunned fans who question why Rohit's leadership was taken despite his exemplary records.
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According to a TOI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management crafted a long-term blueprint for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill emerged as a strong candidate to lead the ODI team. Managing Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, posed a significant transitional challenge.
Lack of Match Play Worked Against Rohit
BCCI officials believe the next ODI World Cup is two years away, and Rohit primarily participates in the ODI format, limiting his match practice. Despite meeting all fitness criteria, his recent hiatus from active cricket has been a disadvantage. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar subtly hinted at this during a press conference.
Rohit Sharma's last competitive game was with Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Initial internal disagreements arose within the BCCI due to Rohit's sterling captaincy record. However, as the Australian tour approached, consensus tilted toward change.
The report also suggests Virat Kohli faces similar circumstances, focusing solely on ODI cricket. At 38, Rohit is older, while Virat is 36. The board's decision considers future prospects. A senior official remarked, 'Prolonging decisions adds complexity. While young players may also experience form or fitness issues, opting for change now seems a relatively safe choice.'
What Did Agarkar Say About Rohit-Kohli?
In the press conference, Ajit Agarkar confirmed that neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli is committed to playing in the 2027 World Cup. He intended to clarify there are no assurances of their slots. He emphasized that fulfilling BCCI's policy of participating in domestic cricket is critical for team selection. Observers await Virat and Rohit’s participation in upcoming domestic One Day tournaments (specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy).
Read More: Rohit Sharma's ODI Captaincy Record Is Robust, Way Ahead of Dhoni-Kohli in Certain Aspects
Should BCCI exert more pressure for domestic participation, both players might need to make significant decisions soon. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra opines that retiring from Test cricket was untimely for Virat and Rohit, depriving them of crucial game time. He suggests that unless they consistently score, others might surpass them in team preferences.
BCCI now aims to construct a team around players likely to excel at the 2027 World Cup. Appointing Shubman Gill as captain is part of this forward-thinking strategy. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain monumental figures in Indian cricket, the selection committee has signaled it's prioritizing young talent. Though emotionally difficult, this transition heralds a fresh chapter for Indian cricket.
