When legends walk onto the field, they don’t need to prove themselves every time — and Ajit Agarkar just made that crystal clear.
The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, recently addressed the ongoing chatter around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in Indian cricket. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar emphasized that both stalwarts are not under scrutiny for every match and deserve the respect they’ve earned over the years.
When asked whether the selectors would judge Rohit and Kohli’s spots based on each series, Ajit Agarkar didn’t mince words.
“That would be a bit silly, isn’t it?” he said. “When one averages over 50 and the other close to 50, you can’t put them on trial every game.”
Both players, now in their mid-to-late 30s, have transitioned into ODI-only specialists after retiring from Tests and T20Is. Rohit Sharma also recently handed over the ODI captaincy baton to Shubman Gill, marking a new era for Indian cricket.
Yet, Agarkar was firm — performance pressure should not overshadow experience.
“They’re not on trial,” he added. “They’ve achieved everything — not just trophies, but runs and legacy. Whether they get runs in this series or not, that doesn’t decide 2027.”
🏆 2027 World Cup: Too Early to Call
Will Rohit and Kohli play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Agarkar believes it’s far too early to predict. “2027 is still a long way away. Once they start playing regularly, we’ll assess. For now, they’re part of our core setup,” he said.
The chairman also highlighted that both players bring immense value — not just through performance, but through mentorship and dressing-room presence.
🇮🇳 A New Chapter After Test Retirements
Rohit and Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests came after the 2024–25 Australia tour, signaling a generational shift. Both wanted to make space for younger talents ahead of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Agarkar revealed that selectors had hoped for their experience in the England series, where India, under young captain Shubman Gill, drew 2-2.
“Of course, we’d have loved their experience in England,” he said. “But when players like Rohit and Kohli decide to move on, you respect that.”
Their retirements came just months after helping India clinch the T20 World Cup 2024, ending a long wait for the trophy. It was, in many ways, a graceful exit at the top.
On Shami: “My Phone Is Always On”
The discussion didn’t end with Rohit and Kohli. Agarkar also addressed the buzz around Mohammed Shami, who was left out of the Australia tour due to fitness issues — a decision that stirred controversy.
Shami, currently playing in the Ranji Trophy, claimed that if he could bowl four-day games, he was fit for 50-over cricket too.
“If he says that to me, I’ll answer that,” Agarkar responded. “My phone is always on for players. I’ve had multiple chats with him in recent months.”
The chairman made it clear that Shami’s omission was purely fitness-based.
“If he was fully fit, he’d have been on that plane. But right now, the domestic season just began — we’ll monitor him closely.”
Agarkar praised Shami as one of India’s finest fast bowlers, hinting that a comeback is possible if he stays fit.
“With his quality, why wouldn’t we want him? But he needs to stay match-fit consistently,” he added.
The Bigger Picture: Experience Meets Transition
Indian cricket is clearly entering a new phase — balancing the energy of young stars with the wisdom of veterans. Agarkar’s words show that the selectors are focused not on short-term performances but on long-term team building.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may no longer play every format, but their legacy continues to inspire the next generation. They’re not just players — they’re the pillars that built modern Indian cricket.
