New Delhi (Nilesh Tiwari): Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, stated that the team management will evaluate “where everyone is” following the Champions Trophy, despite the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
After being pulled out of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit has rejected any discussions about retiring, but as the two superstars struggle for form, there have also been concerns over Kohli’s place in the squad.
Asked about the transition phase, Agarkar said: “It’s a month away from the Champions Trophy. These guys have been exceptional performers in one-day cricket… We’ll see once the Champions Trophy is done, we’ve got a bit more time to sit and assess where everyone is. Not just one of the players but where we go forward. But at the moment, the focus is on one-day cricket and Champions Trophy.”
Both batsmen’s Test performances were called into question during India’s crushing 1-3 loss to Australia. Rohit, who has only played three Test matches, averaged 6.20, and Kohli, who scored an undefeated century in Perth, also did not impress, averaging 23.75.
It has been anticipated that the two superstars will return to domestic cricket in order to regain their form and prove their worth in the team as India undergoes a transformation. Given this, Rohit announced on Monday that he will play for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir in their forthcoming Ranji Trophy match.
For their upcoming match against Saurashtra in Rajkot, Delhi’s provisional Ranji Trophy roster has also added Kohli. The presence of Kohli will depend on his availability.
