The Indian cricket team has entered a significant phase of transition in Test cricket after two of its biggest superstars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, decided to step away from the longest format of the game. They made the shocking call just before India’s challenging Test tour of England.
After their announcement, many have blamed the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. Now, Agarkar broke his silence on these allegations with a bombshell.
Ajit Agarkar breaks the silence on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements
The Indian chief selector revealed that the selection panel would have wanted both Rohit and Kohli in the Test squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, and even they tried to convince them to reconsider their decision, but both the batting icons had already made up their minds about retiring from Tests ahead of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
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Ajit Agarkar was quoted as saying by NDTV, “Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket.” They both approached… They felt it was a new WTC cycle, and, whatever people might think or not think, that is the reality. I think both were very aware—perhaps they may not have gone for those two years as test players for the WTC cycle.”
After they named Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain, the team performed impressively in the five-match Test series in England. Gill went on to score more than 750 runs across the Test series and helped the Indian side to level the series 2-2.
Ajit Agarkar admits Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s experience missed in key moments on the England tour
While the performances of the younger players were widely praised, Agarkar acknowledged that the absence of Kohli and Rohit was felt during crucial moments on the England tour. Their guidance and experience could have provided additional stability and strategy in tight situations.
He further added, “England was a series where we would have loved some experience, yes, frankly. Performance was incredible, even though we didn’t win. Under a young captain, which was always going to be difficult, but we would have liked some experience. Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I’ll keep it to myself.”
Agarkar also addressed the speculation around Rohit’s social media posts just weeks before his retirement. He clarified that they had official communication, and they don’t follow social media. As 15 days before the move, the Hitman was excited for the England tour.
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Ajit Agarkar said, “I didn’t read his social media. I usually talk to the player. So, no. But I think you’ve got to focus on the team that played in England… I don’t think anyone gave us a chance with that team. So why not focus on the performances the current players are doing, rather than guys who’ve retired—as good as players that they’ve been—they’re no longer part of the Test team.”
Ajit Agarkar emphasizes the importance of transition in Indian Cricket
He explained that transitions are a natural part of cricket. Indian cricket has seen senior players retire or drop, or step away in the past, also referring to Sachin Tendulkar, and it is necessary for the team’s long-term development, allowing the next generation to thrive. Agarkar admitted that while the panel may not always get decisions right, their primary goal is the team’s interest.
Agarkar signed off by saying, “That’s the nature of sport; transition is natural. It has to be in the interest of the team, and that is our job and our responsibility. We may not get it right all the time, but the intentions are always right.”
