Agarkar backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as key figures in India’s long-term plans for the 2027 World Cup, calling it “unfair” to judge the legendary duo after every performance. The Chairman of Selectors emphasized that both players continue to play a crucial role in shaping India’s ODI setup as the team prepares for the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting Sunday in Perth.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar dismissed suggestions that Rohit and Kohli are under trial. “Rohit and Kohli are part of the squad for Australia. We don’t know where things will stand in two years — it could even be younger players missing out by then,” he said.
Both senior players, now exclusive to ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is, are focusing on maintaining form and fitness between series. Rohit recently handed over the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, marking the start of a new leadership phase while still remaining an integral part of India’s batting lineup.
Agarkar added, “It would be silly to question them. One averages over 50 and the other close to it — they’ve proved their worth over the years. The 2027 World Cup is still a long way off, and we’ll assess things as we move forward.”
Agarkar on Rohit and Kohli’s Legacy
The Agarkar backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stance reflects deep respect for their contributions to Indian cricket. Both have achieved monumental success across formats, guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title before announcing retirements from T20Is and later from Tests after the 2024-25 Australia tour.
“They’ve been stalwarts of Indian cricket,” Agarkar said. “It was the start of a new World Test Championship cycle, and they wanted to step aside for younger players. You always want their experience, but you must respect their decision to move on.”
Update on Mohammed Shami’s Fitness
Agarkar also addressed the absence of Mohammed Shami from the Australia tour. Despite Shami’s claims of fitness and participation in the Ranji Trophy, Agarkar clarified that the pacer’s condition is still being monitored.
“If he was fully fit, he would’ve been on that plane,” Agarkar explained. “Our domestic season has just begun. We’ll review his fitness in the next few games. My phone is always open for players like him.”
He reaffirmed Shami’s importance to India’s bowling setup, stating, “If he’s bowling well and fit, why wouldn’t we want him back? His quality is never in doubt; it’s just about maintaining fitness over the next few months.”
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