The Indian cricket team’s fans are excited about the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the team. After a long break of 7 months, India’s two superstar batsmen are returning to international cricket. Virat and Rohit have been included in the Indian squad for the ODI series against Australia. This has raised questions about whether both batsmen will be seen playing in the 2027 World Cup. Will Virat and Rohit retire after this series? The biggest question is whether both want to play in the World Cup? Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar made a shocking revelation about this.
On Saturday, October 4th, in Ahmedabad, soon after India defeated the West Indies in the first Test match, the squad for the Australia tour was announced. Agarkar, the head of the selection committee, was present in Ahmedabad for this announcement. Two issues were most important in this announcement: the return of Virat-Rohit and the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain. Agarkar spoke openly on both issues, with more questions regarding the selection and future of Rohit and Virat.
Agarkar’s most shocking statement came regarding the participation of both in the 2027 World Cup. In a press conference, when asked about the selection of Rohit and Virat and their participation in the 2027 World Cup, Agarkar said that both have not made any firm decision on this. Agarkar said, “Virat and Rohit have not yet fully decided about the World Cup.” The Chief Selector’s statement surprised everyone because, a few months ago, Virat and Rohit had expressed their desire to play in the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027 on different occasions. In such a situation, speculations have started that both will retire from ODI cricket after this series.
However, Agarkar himself or the selection committee did not give any such announcement or indication regarding this. He did say that it is not right to talk about both playing the World Cup right now. However, the former Indian fast bowler also dismissed the rumors, which claimed that this tour could be Virat and Rohit’s last in international cricket. Agarkar clarified that he had not heard anything about these ‘farewell series’ talks or rumors for Virat and Rohit.
But Agarkar also made it clear to the entire team, including both batsmen, that if a player is not playing international cricket, then he will have to play domestic cricket. In such a situation, the focus will now be on whether these two players will play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after the Australia tour.